96-05 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY From the Rangoon "The New Light of Myanmar" Compiled for the Burma Studies Group by Hugh C. MacDougall Published by the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies, University of Illinois Volume X, No. 5, May 1996 Table of Contents POLITICAL Slogans 2 Political Articles 2 Bangladesh Refugees 6 Special Refresher Courses 7 USDA 7 Legal Ethics 7 Gen. Maung Aye on Tour 8 NLD Officials Detained 9 Warning on International Situation 9 Rallies Against Subversives 10 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 10 New Myanmar Ambassadors 11 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 11 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars 11 Border Cooperation 12 Donations from Abroad 12 Karuna Foundation 13 FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors 13 Academic Visitors 13 Medical Visitors 13 Business Visitors 13 Religious Visitors 16 Media Visitors 16 March Thai Visit 17 Chinese Military Delegation 17 Chinese Deputy Attorney-General 17 Chinese Provincial Delegations 17 Philippine Congressman 17 Lao Military Delegations 17 Malaysian Youth 17 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 17 Delegations to Meetings 18 Religious Delegations 18 Industry Minister to Indonesia 18 Delegation to Laos 19 Delegations Return 19 Forestry Delegation to Asia 20 MILITARY Enemy Attacks 20 Surrenders by Armed Group Members 20 GOVERNMENT Workers Day Message 20 Cabinet Changes 21 Security & Management Committee 21 MYANMAR GAZETTE Appointments on Probation 21 Appointments 21 Appointments Confirmed 21 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 22 Trade Fairs and Exhibitions 22 Project Inaugurations 22 Business Openings 22 Advertisements 23 Agreements with Foreign Firms 23 Aviation 24 Jade, Gems & Pearls 24 Tourism 25 Privatization 25 Agriculture 25 Banking 26 Customs 26 Rainfall in Yangon 26 HEALTH Health Articles 26 National Health Plan 26 Maternal Welfare 27 SPORTS Myanmar Teams and Delegations 27 Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. 27 Holes-in-One 27 CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles 27 Religion 28 Publications 28 Computers 28 Universities and Institutes 28 Bagan Pagoda Restoration 28 MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements 29 Anti-Narcotics Activities 30 Obituaries 31 Marriage & Engagement 31 Earthquakes 31 Bird-watching 31 PyinOoLwin Centenary 31 ------------------------------------------- Includes Mar. 18 issue. ------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS -- NLD Officials detained for questioning [POLITICAL] -- Renewed denunciations of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi [POLITICAL--Political Articles] -- Mass rallies against subversion [POLITICAL] -- New Slogans added on subversion [SLOGANS] -- Cabinet Changes [GOVERNMENT] -- Scholar Dr. Jan Becka named Czech Ambassador to Myanmar [DIPLOMATIC] ------------------------------------------- POLITICAL Slogans The bottom of each front page continues to bear the slogan: Emergence of the State Constitution is the duty of all citizens of Myanmar Naing-Ngan The top of each back page usually bears the slogan: The Tatmadaw has been sacrificing much of its blood and sweat to prevent disintegration of the Union. All nationalities of the Union are urged to give all co-operation and assistance in this great task. New Slogans: A series of new slogans was introduced at the center-fold, beginning May 30: May 30: Mass rallies of citizens of all walks of life endorse good work of the Tatmadaw Government, achievements made for all-round development. Denounce acts of interference and perpetrations of agents saboteur in the pay of foreign nations bent on destruction of gain made by the people and the Tatmadaw. May 31: "We will never accept replay of the 8-8-88 hell scenario by those relying on external elements and destructionists." "Take strict action on those perpetrating destructive acts according to existing laws." On the same day, the following boxed item was introduced on the last page, replacing the now-tradition Tatmadaw slogan: People's Desire * Oppose those relying on external elements, acting as stooges, holding negative views. * Oppose those trying to jeopardize stability of the State and progress of the nation. * Oppose foreign nations interfering in internal affairs of the State. * Crush all internal and external destructive elements as the common enemy. Religious Slogans: Since August 1991, each issue has included a changing Pali religious slogan at the top of each front page: May 1-28: Nivato ca, modesty; this is the way to auspiciousness. May 29-31: Asevana ca balanam, not to associate with the foolish; this is the way to auspiciousness. The Twelve Objectives: Since July 6, 1995, each issue of NLM has listed the Four Political, Four Economic, and Four Social Objectives of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, generally on the front page [for texts, see January 1996 issue]. Political Articles May 1-29: Government not dictatorial one which wrested power... by Pe Kan Kaung. [Cont. (16) Zaire. Background to Myanmar military takeover in 1962: early interest in socialism in Myanmar starting in 1928. Marxism became popular with Myanmar youth. Pre-World War II contacts with Communists. Formation of Burma Communist Party in 1944. Bogyoke Aung San's belief in socialism: "It is to be said that if only Bogyoke had not been assassinated, Myanmar Naing-Ngan would have been established as a socialist country." (17) Socialism and Marxism in Myanmar from 1947 to 1953 -- statements and meetings, including the First Congress of Socialist Parties held in Yangon in January 1953, with parties from 16 countries present. (18) Prime Minister U Nu, the AFPFL split, Communist plotting, 1953-58. "The Burma Communist Party is not like any other communist party in the world. Its attitude towards the State, the public and those with whom they had struggled for the country's independence, its behaviour, words, deeds and writings are all not constructive and always lead to destructive acts and cause a great deal of damage and loss to Myanmar Naing-Ngan. The attacks made as regards the religion is [sic] so bad that it is not fit to heard [sic] and very dreadful." [(19) Arrangements and documents between Prime Minister U Nu and Gen. Ne Win for the 1958 Caretaker Government. (20) Gen. Ne Win's 1958 address to the Chamber of Deputies; amendment of Article 116 of the Constitution to permit his reelection. (21) Military victories; abolition of feudal power in Shan and Kayah States; 1960 elections; Red Flag communist atrocities. (22) Panglong Agreement recalled -- text of Agreement. (23) Proposals for Constitutional amendment, 1961. (24) Constitutional provisions on Shan State amended in 1959. (25) Shan State Council meeting in 1959; Shan insurgencies the "doings of federalists." (26) Problems of the AFPFL in 1962. (27) 1962 article on how federalism breeds disintegration. [(28) 1960 Treaty between Gen. Ne Win and Chinese Foreign Minister Chou En Lai; Myanmar foreign policy. (29) Principles of Peaceful Co-existence; 1955 Bandung Conference. (30) 1955 Bandung Conference Declaration. (31) Declaration continued. (32) Declaration continued. Summary of Shanmu Hnint Pyidaungsu (Shan Policy and the Union) by Thakin Chit Maung (Widuya) of the Pa Ma Nya Ta (1962). (33) Excerpt continued. [(34) Why Tatmadaw had to take over in 1962. (35) Formation and programs of Revolutionary Council; list of participants in the 1962 Tatmadaw Conference. (36) List continued. (37) List concluded. Text of the "Burmese Way to Socialism" adopted by the Revolutionary Council. (38) Text continued. (39) Text concluded. Establishment of Burma Socialist Programme Party in 1971. (40) 1974 Constitution; 1962 nationalizations. (41) Lists of nationalized properties and firms. (42) Myanmar and foreign aid, and the dangers thereof. (43) 1988 disturbances. (44) Propriety of Tatmadaw assumptions of power.] May 5: Truth will be simply told, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. [Col. Tin Kha was asked by Kyaw Zan Hla of the British Broadcasting Service about "press freedom" in Myanmar. He responded by citing the Twelve Objectives (as published daily in the press), and SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt's statement to the press on July 7, 1995: "From now onward, write freely within the context of these 12 objectives. Do not ask what should not be written. Just take note of this, you local and foreign mediamen." He went on to say: "I will be clarifying political, economic, social and foreign affairs to you, who are engaged in policy matters in these sectors, those in the government's mass media of information, those practically engaged in these fields, those in the information dissemination via news and periodicals and special guests so that you will be clearly informed of these matters and be able to apply them in discharging duties. Personnel in information dissemination and news and periodicals, especially, are to make use of these facts in writing and dissemination of information."] May 20-22: When will the act of the snakes end? by U Than Maung. [(1) "The 'act of the snakes' (of three poisonous snakes--one female cobra, a banded krait and a viper) which usually starts at about 4 in the afternoon every Saturday and Sunday on the platform by the road in front of the place No. 54-56, University Avenue, Yangon has been on for many months. How long will it be there? When will it end?" In 1988 opportunists "elected Daw Suu Kyi, who, after marrying an Englishman and living in England for 28 years, was showing 'love' for Myanmar in emergency, as 'great, great leader', and due to political coercion and anarchism, a State power collapsed with a bang within very, very short days." Empires collapse "with a bang, not with a whimper!" History of splits in Myanmar politics between 1945 and 1958. [(2) "The 8-8-88 groups and strikers led by Daw Suu Kyi attempted in 1988, 1989 and 1990 to copy the type of old-fashioned revolution like Russian Revolution and French Revolution, which do not conform to the needs of time, place and community, in Myanmar.... Daw Suu Kyi's group attempted to replenish the faulty socio-economic revolutionary ideals of post 18th century and early 20th century. If we objectively review the formation and organization of Daw Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy, which was amazingly popular out of over 200 parties, it can be seen as follows:...." Within two years it split in two, one segment led by Bogyoke Aung Gyi and the other by Daw Suu Kyi. After 60 years of history in Myanmar, "it can be seen evidently that there has been no political party which can effectively bring about national interest...up to now (1996)." Eastern European, Asian, and African so-called political parties a dwarfed by their leaders. "Prominence of Suu Kyi and popularity of her National League for Democracy is also in accord with the meaning of the above-mentioned statement. Suu Kyi's prominence dwarfs her party in importance. Her party is not as prominent or important as her ...." [(3) Karl Marx said that England provoked a social revolution in India without intending to, though actuated by "the vilest interests" and "stupid in her manner of enforcing them." "English returnee Miss, who, after living in England humbly for about 28 years, is showing off herself in Myanmar in a saucy manner...should consider...Karl Marx's deep thought." The Magadeva Treatise and Lawkaniti "prove clear indication that they are the same in essence as those to Karl Marx and Engles [sic]." Rubbish which can start a fire should be burnt first. "Therefore, I should like to suggest that the snake charmer's show which has been on for months should be put to an end and three poisonous snakes be put in the snake charmer's basket. It is necessary to escape from a state of having a viper in the pouch...."] May 20: Only one way to democracy, by U Phyo. [Through stability and peace, achieved after unity. "Should a particular group's craze for power be quenched by destroying the country? I would like the lady, the self-appointed leader, or the socalled leader of the group, and a group of old men to stand before a full-size mirror and ask themselves, 'Can I under take to provide security.... Especially, can I ensure correct, fruitful relations, as has been done by the Tatmadaw, to the 70,000-plus members of armed groups which have made peace after having placed trust in the Tatmadaw?...." Proper approach to democracy is through the process of National Convention, and the four political objectives. "The persons concerned, who are not children, must have realized that effective action will be taken against them for maintenance of law if they engage in confrontation, disturbances and threaten stability and peace."] May 23: Protected again in the nick of time, by Minye Kaungbon. [Ending of insurgencies; release of 23,335 detainees. "It is most deplorable that Daw Suu Kyi, who is now busy playing host to so many guests after revocation of the restriction order on her on 10 July 1995, is misusing and making capital of the cetana (goodwill) and magnanimity of the State Law and Order Restoration Council. A group of persons of NLD has hatched a plot and is moving about stealthily in a bid to destabilize the country which has achieved stability." They withdrew NLD members from the National Convention. "It is again heard that they are now irrationally designing to carry out a plot, which they should not, in the next few days. Daw Suu Kyi...explicitly revealed her threat on 11 July 1995. 'We have to choose between dialogue or utter devastation.' She is prepared the confront the Government if it does not comply with her wish. They are about to challenge and shatter the stability and peace of the State in a few days with their preparations to create uproarious opposition under the pretext of observing the anniversary of the election.... That group of persons is irrational, egoistic and power crazy. With the only wish for grabbing power, they believe that the collapse of the present Na Wa Ta Government is their primary aim.... It is proper to prevent fire from breaking out.... The government and the people shall in no way allow the nation plunge again into hellish tragedies of 1988 after these seven years."] May 24-27: Let all be united, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. [Cont. (26) May visit of SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye to Kyaukpadaung railroad. (27) Inspection of Mone Creek Dam. (28) Myanma Industrial Exhibition held in Mandalay, Jan. 18-27. (29) Promotion of agricultural machinery.] May 25: Will Myanmar become another Bosnia?, by Capt. Leslie G. Rathbun. [Reprint of article from the May 17 issue of Lee's Summit Journal of the "American midwest." "To sum up: The United Nations have made a mess of Bosnia and now they are in the process of doing the same thing in Burma, now known as Myanmar." The US interest requires us to actively avoid behavior that would drive China's neighbors, such as Burma, into China's arms. UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros Ghali wants "the United States to become involved and to instigate a civil war in Burma to oust the military and install the leader of the Burmese opposition in power. This leader is a very nice woman named Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. She is a Nobel Laureate having recently received the Peace Prize for avoiding civil war in her country. The Burma military had her under house arrest for fomenting civil disorder, but she was allowed to share the podium with Mrs. Clinton at the Women's World Congress in China last year [sic]. She is married to an Englishman and has spent most of her life in that country, not in Burma." If the US is to "impose democracy on every dictatorship on earth" we would do better to start in Saudi Arabia, where "anyone behaving like Daw Aung San Suu Kyi" would have been executed, not put under house arrest.] May 25: They will come home when the time is ripe, by Byatti. [NLD participants in National Convention. "In mid-1995 when the restraining order on her was lifted, the Thaik-nan-shin Devi of the National League for Democracy became a Devi having supernatural powers. The League which seemed normal at that time plunged into a life infected with AIDS.... Their attendance at the National Convention was used as a weapon under local and foreign pressures. Eventually, they retreated, with the bed-rolls. The Thaik-nan-shin Devi was all smiles.... Politically cornered, the politburo gangsters, the bunch of five, and their disciple party ran amok.... Finally, the NLD decided to hold a conference like the Gandhi Hall Conference held just after the 1990 election. Mentor radio stations like BBC and VOA and CNN, living on their own bread, tended the lady's dog. ["Regarding the mistress of the two-winged mansion on the one-acre plot, whom no black magicians can defeat, as the empress of a great empire, the disciples and the bodyguard commandants, living on earnings of the weaker sex, came to slander and criticize the Government. They were engaged in testing the tolerance of the Government.... ["If the democracy sorceress and her gangsters succeed in their bid, urban and rural tranquillity, peaceful pursuit of education, commercial dealings, etc., all peaceful social life of the people would be spoilt.... The Government took up deterrence best suited to the State and the people to prevent recurrence of anarchism, terrorism and disturbances as in 1988. The measure was none other than calling in those who were about to commit a political offence and those who were about to be used and questioning them in good time...."] May 28: The genuine wish of the people, by U Myo Myint (Law). [Aliens continue to promote disorder, while rallies around the country demand that those who try to destabilize the nation "must be regarded as public enemies and crushed." "People are disgusted with the axe-handles who are doing politics with foreign reliance. People are angry with what the two cousins, Ma Suu Kyi and expatriate Sein Win, are shouting synchronously with the West bloc not to visit Myanmar in Visit Myanmar Year and not to invest in Myanmar.... The public is also disgusted with the NLD followers who are acting in the two traitors' nation-destruction plot in rousers' role...."] May 28: Going wrong, again, by Shwe Min Tha. [How Daw Suu Kyi is going wrong again, calling for boycotts of Myanmar.] May 30: Feeling prickly heat, instead of pleasant cool, by U Phyo. ["...it is heard that Htet Htet Moe Pyu and cohorts of the roadside anyeint troupe were going to get together to contrive a parallel convention or a parallel government or Hluttaw or whatever, with their concoctions, hue and cry, braggings and falsities.... There is reason why those of the West Bloc are unscrupulously, blatantly and shameless meddling in others' internal affairs.... Those neo-colonialists begrudge Myanmar of its strategic position in Asia and its rich natural resources and could not bear to see it so close to and friendly and all-round cooperative with a big country of the East -- one that will one day become so strong as to vie with them and keep them in check...." Will the West attack Myanmar militarily? That would be impolitic and dangerous. "There is a way to make Myanmar become a slave nation without being aware of it. That way is to thrust onto the stage their little daughter-in-law who would kowtow to them and dance to their tune.... That daughter-in-law of the White Face (White Kala) too is not a nobody, but one who is popular in public, and thus very useful in the scheme to indirectly enslave Myanmar Naing-Ngan. This pretty little wife serving the White Kala could really act, so much that even an old man like me had to take notice She herself could act and show a good face, and the aged presenter beside her has a streak of art in him.... And their anyeint troupe composed all sorts of characters, is it a wonder that people take interest in that anyeint troupe of film academy winner Htet Htet Moe Pyu and cohorts? "It is noticed that the main actress herself was good in her performance. How so? Just look at the way she performed with variegated colours on her face each day. It was pink when White guests came and bid her good morning in the morning. When the sun was about a toddy palm's height, she heard that her 'sons' born without hurting her knees had gotten action taken against them because they had caused disturbance in the ward, her face became red with embarrassment. When she heard of Byatti's article in the newspaper, her face darkened, so it was learnt, in the evening when she definitely heard the news that the so-called representatives she had summoned 'Come! Assemble here! Come into audience!' were not coming, her face went white, so it was learnt.... "I realize...the Tatmadaw government...is handling this problem with great magnanimity and tolerance.... It could easily have been handled by making arrests under the Penal Code.... To my way of thinking, it could be that the government was adopting the attitude that this anyeint troupe was just a burst of flame about to go out.... I think, though, that it is very remote that this roadside anyeint troupe would come to see light and become good, firstly because it is very hard-headed and dogmatic, and also because it has been possessed by external influence.... "The best way is to teach a lesson the mass way as we are seeing now. The Union Solidarity and Development Association...has ...more than three million, three hundred thousand members. If...they sound the real attitude and wishes of the people to reverberate all over in Myanmar, elements betraying the national interests...would see light precipitously and their perpetrations ...to destroy the country would cease, I believe so."] May 30-31: Let's tell the truth, by Myo Chit. [(1) Just as the British conquered Myanmar in 1885 in order to penetrate the China market, the two English-speaking nations today are colluding against Myanmar, using political and economic resources, and even more dangerous, "using traitors intent on seeing to the extinction of own race as their lackeys in various guises...." Unless the national races come together, "Myanmar will become a battle ground that will be worse than the previous war...." (2) History of "national {i.e., patriotic} politics" in Myanmar.] May 30: Editorial: Do not interfere. ["We say hands off to those who have been imposing this unjust design on us.... Certain foreign nations hostile to the Tatmadaw Government have been conniving with their minions to shape Myanmar's future according to their sinister designs. Unable to do that, they are resorting to idolizing their plant...and covertly and overtly working to go against our good intentions. Knowing the situation full well, we, all of us, must vigilantly seek out these acts of interference and oppose them for they pose a grave threat to national security and national wellbeing. We have a message loud and clear: Do not interfere."] May 31: The truth that people have seen, by Tekkatho Myat Thu. [People can see the progress made under the State Law and Order Restoration Council. "Thus, mass rallies supporting nation building endeavour, and denouncing destructionists are being held in the entire nation."] May 31: Editorial: Working for harmony. ["There are gains in the political, economic, social and other sectors as we have witnessed. The economy is taking off at an accelerated pace. Sad to say, though, there are elements within the country and outside who are scheming, conniving and working to erase with their feet what we have created with our hands. We must crush them as the common enemy of the people, taking action if they should be found committing acts counter to the law and public well-being, for they are obstacles on the path of peace and progress."] Bangladesh Refugees [NLM fails to print some reports in this series, as the running total indicates.] Apr. 30: Eight persons from two households returned to Kanyinchaung Camp on Apr. 24 "under the agreement reached between Myanmar and Bangladesh," bringing the total since Sept. 22, 1992 to 197,289 persons. (NLM 5/1) May 16: 87 persons from 14 households returned to the Kanyinchaung Camp on May 9, bringing the total to 197,376. May 21: 129 persons from 27 households returned to various reception camps on May 16, bringing the total to 197,505. (NLM 5/22) May 29: 447 persons from 86 households returned to various reception camps on May 23, bringing the total to 198,435. (NLM 5/30) Special Refresher Courses May 3: Special Refresher Course No. 2 for Development Affairs Department Officials opened, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. "Endeavours, he said, are being made for emergence of an enduring Constitution as the national unity has been achieved by getting rid of, in the spirit of fraternity and cooperation, armed opposition spawned by the interference of external and unscrupulous elements by driving a wedge among the national brethren." (NLM 5/4) May 20: Special Refresher Course No. 21 for Basic Education Teachers opened and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. "In spite of all-out efforts in all aspects, he said, a circle of traitorous minions of the colonialists is found to be obstructing the Government's constructive endeavours. He went on to say that a group with negative outlook is engaged in instigations to belittle and jeopardize, with intent and relying on foreign elements, already restored national solidarity. Moreover, he said, it is also resorting to all means to disturb and destroy the National Convention which has made much headway. What is more, he said, the elements with sinister aims are waging whispering campaigns, concocting stories and perpetrating incitements inside and outside the country most extensively against endeavours made by the Government for economic development based on the economic growth of the nationals. Furthermore, the traitorous circle spurred by foreign elements is also disrupting the Government's efforts for uplift of dynamism of patriotic spirit and uplift of preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage and national character. He said these indicate that the lackeys of the colonialists and traitors are disrupting efforts to implement the political, economic and social objectives in collusion with neo-colonialists who would like to wield influence over Myanmar. In other words, he said, they are doing so in earnest with the help of foreign broadcasting stations and publications fearing that a peaceful, modern and developed nation would emerge...."] USDA May 17: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe addressed Advanced Management Course No. 2 for USDA [Union Solidarity and Development Association] Executives. According to NLM, the following were highlights [full text]: -- If USDA executives who completed the course can shoulder their duties in respective ward/village-tract, township, district and state/divisions levels fittingly and efficiently, this will contribute a great deal toward emergence of a peaceful, prosperous and modern nation. -- Organizational tasks must be carried out constantly so that USDA will always be consolidated and make continuous progress. -- USDA already has proper aims, firm convictions and right tasks, which are requisites for an association to prosper and develop, and active and effective organization is essential to enliven these aims, convictions and tasks. -- USDA executives must carry out organizational tasks continuously and steadfastly so that USDA will become a reliable strength for the nation and ever-developing association. -- It is essential to translate words into action to prove goodwill for the nation and realize the Government's goodwill after studying the advancing political, economic and social situation (NLM 5/18) Legal Ethics May 3: new advocates receiving their certificates at the Supreme Court were addressed by Chief Justice U Aung Toe, and by Attorney-General U Tha Tun, who warned against lack of ethical principles by lawyers and advocates. The Chief Justices noted that "Just as there are lawyers who live up to traditions and uphold dignity so also there are those who are not loyal to their clients and on not assist law courts.... There are a large number of lawyers who, misusing the names of judges, ask for bribes and who write anonymous letters to the courts, those who commit contempt of court, without assisting the law courts, and those who send blackmail letters to the courts before passing judgements, he said. "He spoke of existence of lawyers who interfere in law courts by deliberately asking questions which may harm the dignity of clients and witnesses of other side and attributed lawyers' breach of ethics to some experienced advocates who, through friendship, do not systematically train their apprentices.... "He said the Supreme Court is providing supervision to law courts...and taking action as necessary for emergence of law courts which the people trust and rely, especially it has exposed corrupt personnel for getting rid of bribery at courts, calling on the advocates and lawyers to avoid bribing judges, paving the way to be able to bribe and urging the clients to bribe. "He cited malpractices of some lawyers -- resorting to various means to delay court proceeding, disrupting cases by means of bribery and misuse of the names of high ranking officials, making the accused appear like the plaintiff for reversing the trend of cases, designing to make the case more complicated, persuading the clients and witnesses to lie before the court, making the clients to sign invalid agreements, collaborating with clients on the other side, switching to the other side after obtaining all information from the client, molesting women clients, taking advantage of their inability to pay legal fees, causing clients to exhaust, losing time and money, at high courts by withholding information and so making the clients believe they will win in their cases, not sending the case for trial although they have accepted it, telling lies that the higher court has passed judgement although the case has actually not been disposed, presenting to the higher court that a particular judge has passed judgement although the judge has not been involved, and serving as lawyers after buying estates in dispute. "Action was taken against corrupt lawyers by completely revoking their licence or revoking their licences for a particular period, he said...." Attorney-General U Tha Tun continued the litany of evils. "He enumerated on complaints concerning misconducts of certain advocates, which are, advocate certificate holders, who do not engage in their own profession but in others, abusive in hearing the case and asking unrelated questions in the court, creating false evidences, attempting to ruin character of plaintiff's witness in collaboration with the defendant, absconding of the defendant after being granted bail, framing a person to open law-suit against him in collaboration with police officers, behaving rudely and disrespectfully before the court, blackmailing defendants and asking for extra charges in addition to lawyer's fee, swindling money out of the client on the pretext of paying to judges, law officers and police officers, swindling money out of plaintiff and defendant, only giving priority to gain money without conducting a case in accord with the law and trying to expand the case to gain more money, and describing the value of property in a wrong way in making contracts. "Although the Supreme Court is taking action against lawyers breaching their ethics in accord with the principles, the number of lawyers, who breach moral conducts never decreases, he noted...." (NLM 5/4) Gen. Maung Aye on Tour May 18: SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye, accompanied by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein, Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein, Minister at the SLORC Chairman's Office Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen. Saw Tun, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Adm. Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen. Tin Ngwe and others, flew to Meiktila May 17, and visited the Flying Training Base (Shande). He inspected the Chindwin Bridge (Yesagyo) Construction Project, ChaungU Township, before returning to Meiktila. (NLM 5/19) // May 19: On May 18 he flew on to Bagan, and the next day inspected progress on the Yangon-Mandalay-Bagan-Pyay-Yangon (Yoma) Railroad, which will be the longest in Myanmar. Construction has started on the 90-mile stretch from Pyay to Hsatthwa (Taungdwingyi), and the 62-mile Kyaukpadaung-Bagan-Hsakha (Myingyan) segment. He visited the Monchaung Reservoir Project in Setoketara Township. He then returned to Bagan to inspect the 27-mile Bagan-Kyaukpadaung railroad. (NLM 5/ 20) // May 20: On May 19, he inspected construction of the Bagan Archaeology Museum and the Myanma Lacquerware Institute, and he addressed the opening of a railroad work camp at Bagan, calling for zeal and warning against destructionists. He then opened a railroad work camp in Hsinbaungwe Township, and another in Aunglan. (NLM 5/21) // May 21: On May 20 he flew from Bagan to Kalay, where he spent the night. On May 21, he inspected military units and visited pagodas in Kalay, visited the 35.8 mile Gangaw-Kyaw railroad project in Gangaw Township, flew to Mount Kyaukleik in Pauk Township, and returned to Bagan. (NLM 5/22) NLD Officials Detained May 23: The State Law and Order Restoration Council Information Committee held a Press Conference "and explained the situation in connection with calling in for questioning by authorities concerned as the National League for Democracy could create instability in the country [sic]." Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein "said that...it is learnt that the National League for Democracy is planning to organize a mass meeting from 26 to 29 May 1996, and therefore some delegates who are to attend the meeting were called in for questioning so as to safeguard in good time the peace and stability from being disturbed." Review of earlier detentions since the 1990 elections, participation of NLD in the National Convention, and the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from her restraining order on July 11, 1995. "It was found that she told ASEAN members not to have dealings with Myanmar, and, judging from what she said, it is found that she encouraged foreign governments to pressure Myanmar and helped enable foreign media to spread fabrications for pushing toward dialogue, he said.... What Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had told foreign countries were to watch, not to provide assistance and ASEAN not to have dealings meant getting foreign countries to coerce the Government which is striving for development, he said.... He said it has been heard that NLD had arranged for holding a conference like the Gandhi Conference they held after the election in 1990 ...." If internal stability is harmed, students will have their education disrupted, trade will be hampered, and national development may grind to a halt. "He added that those who were called in for questioning were not arrested but were being accommodated comfortably at guest houses.... "He said it is found that NLD had been engaged in attempts to confront the Government after the restraining order placed on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was revoked.... So those who aimed at the course of disturbances with the people getting used were called in for questioning, he said, adding that it is up to all to cooperate to deter what should not happen." (NLM 5/24) Warning on International Situation May 26: Speaking at Mandalay Hall, Yangon University, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt discussed the world situation. "He dealt with world politics in which the two main blocs tackled world affairs playing power balancing without any extreme solution. However, he said, one bloc tried to change over to the system of another, rushed into its trap and faced disintegration. "Now only one bloc is left without any balancing power to deter its interference in the affairs of other nations, and it has continued to trap developing nations in a bid to enhance its status as a super power and many small nations are now under its influence, he reviewed. "He noted that memories of misery and distress under servitude for over 100 years are still etched in the minds of Myanmar nationals who foresee that the nation will disappear if it comes under other's influence. "The Secretary-1 stressed unity which has been harmed by dangers, speaking of leaders endeavouring for non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national unity and perpetuation of sovereignty. "Despite attempts of the West bloc to bring Myanmar under its control because of her strategic location in South-East Asia, Myanmar adheres to the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, maintaining friendly relations and cooperation with other nations including neighbours and ASEAN members. "He pointed out that there is a group of persons in Myanmar swaying to the enticement of a big nation which is attempting to bring Myanmar under its influence in the pretext of democracy and human rights. "what they see is the bait, not the hook, he remarked, saying they are doing as dictated, ignoring objective conditions in Myanmar and her neighbours wishing only to be prosperous as the big nation within a short time. "He recalled how Myanmar met her fate, falling under servitude of others, and how independence was regained and called on the students not to let such a situation recur...." (NLM 5/27) Rallies Against Subversives May 27: 40,000 people from 14 townships in Yangon East District attended a "mass rally in support of national development efforts and denouncing subversives" in Dagon Myothit (South). Speeches were made by local officials; motions carried to support development and denounce subversion, and slogans shouted. (NLM 5/28) May 27: 55,800 people rallied against subversion in Bago. (NLM 5/28) May 28: 40,000 people from 13 townships in Yangon West District rallied against subversion. (NLM 5/29) May 28: 36,000 people rallied against subversion in Magway. (NLM 5/29) May 29: 43,000 people from 9 townships in Yangon South District rallied against subversion. (NLM 5/30) May 30: 42,000 people rallied against subversion in Mandalay. (NLM 5/31) May 29: 70,000 people rallied against subversion on May 28 in Monywa. (NLM 5/30) May 30: 77,000 people from 8 townships in Yangon North District rallied against subversion. (NLM 5/31) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls [The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Details of the meetings are rarely reported. Ambassadors generally accompany foreign visitors from their countries on official calls, and their presence is generally not noticed in this Summary. Newly arrived and departing Ambassadors generally make the rounds of Cabinet Ministers and other leading officials.] May 3: Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi called on Minister for Labour Lt-Gen. Aye Thoung. (NLM 5/4) May 7: Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Wahab bin Harun called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min. Indian Ambassador Lal Thanzaua Pudaite called on Chief Justice U Aung Toe. Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi called on Minister for Labour Lt-Gen. Aye Thoung. (NLM 5/8) May 8: The Malaysian Ambassador called on Minister for Labour Lt-Gen. Aye Thoung. Yugoslav Charge d'Affaires Miodrag Nikolin called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (NLM 5/9) May 10: Netherlands Ambassador Ms. Maria Laeticia Alice Crispiniana van den Assum called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 5/11) May 14: Yugoslav Charge d'Affaires Miodrag Nikolin called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. Italian Ambassador Dr. Benito Volpi called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw. (NLM 5/15) May 15: Lt-Col. Kenekeo Pholsena, new Lao Military Attache in Myanmar, called on SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye; a Myanmar Military Attache Office opened in Vientiane on May 3. Bangladeshi Ambassador Brig. Chowdhury Khalequzzaman (Retd) called on Minister for Immigration and Population Lt-Gen. Maung Hla. (NLM 5/15) May 16: Thai Ambassador Poksak Nilubol called on Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung to discuss sports cooperation. (NLM 5/17) May 21: Canadian Ambassador Manfred von Nostitz called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/22) May 22: Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Wahab bin Harun called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 5/23) May 23: Yugoslav Charge d'Affaires Miodrag Nikolin called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min. Italian Ambassador Dr. Benito Volpi called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi called on Minister for Culture Brig-Gen. Thaung Myint. (NLM 5/24) May 24: Canadian Ambassador Manfred von Nostitz called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw. Italian Ambassador Dr. Benito Volpi called on Minister for Construction Maj-Gen. Saw Tun. (NLM 5/25) May 27: Cambodian Ambassador Khek Lerang called on Minister for Culture Brig-Gen. Thaung Myint. (NLM 5/28) May 29: Yugoslav Charge d'Affaires Miodrag Nikolin called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung to discuss establishment of seed farms. (NLM 5/30) May 30: Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. Chinese Ambassador Mrs. Chen Baoliu, and Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Wahab bin Harun called on Minister for Construction Maj-Gen. Saw Tun. (NLM 5/31) New Myanmar Ambassadors May 14: U Khin Nyunt, Myanmar Ambassador to Russia, has been named concurrently as new Myanmar Ambassador to Finland. (NLM 5/14) May 19: U Nyunt Tin on May 15 presented credentials in Algiers to President Liamine Zeroul as new Myanmar Ambassador to Algeria. (NLM 5/20) May 28: U Tun Ngwe has been appointed new Myanmar Ambassador to Germany. (NLM 5/28) May 28: U Khin Nyunt, Ambassador to Russia, has been appointed concurrently new Myanmar Ambassador to Romania. (NLM 5/28) New Ambassadors to Myanmar May 9: Myanmar has agreed to the appointment of Maj-Gen. (Police) A. Poerwanto Lenggono as new Indonesian Ambassador to Myanmar. Born Apr. 30, 1940, he joined the police in 1965 and received a Masters from the Institute of Police Science in 1970. He has served in various police capacities since. He is married, with four children. (NLM 5/ 9) May 9: Ms. Maria Laeticia Alice Crispiniana van den Assum presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Netherlands Ambassador to Myanmar. (NLM 5/10) May 15: The Government has approved the nomination of Dr. Jan Becka as new Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Myanmar. Dr. Becka was born in Prague on Mar. 7, 1939, and studied Myanmar, English and Czech Philology at Charles University from 1955-1962, receiving a Doctorate (PhD) in 1983 [sic]. After serving in the military from 1962-64, he was a researcher at the Oriental Institute of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences from 1964-95, ending as Head of the Department of South and Southeast Asia. He joined the Foreign Ministry in August 1995; he is concurrently Ambassador to Thailand. He is married with two children. (NLM 5/15) May 27: Mr. Khek Lerang presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Cambodian Ambassador to Myanmar. (NLM 5/28) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars May 2: Twenty top managers from TIL Ltd., the Indian Caterpillar dealer, held a Strategic Management Conference with Marketing Manager U Win Myint and staff of Myanmar Tractor & Trading Co. Ltd., a TIL subsidiary in Myanmar. "TIL Ltd. is the first overseas company to select Yangon as the venue for their annual meeting." (NLM 5/3) May 21: A Myanmar National Workshop on Women's Health, cosponsored by the Myanmar Medical Association and UNICEF, opened and was addressed by Acting Minister for Health Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. Life expectancy of women is 63.1 years and of men is 57.9 years, and there is a population ratio of 95 men to 100 women. The workshop will last until May 23. (NLM 5/22) May 23: Myanmar: Open For Business, a Seminar co-sponsored by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and Investment Focus Ltd. (Infocus) of Hong Kong, opened at the Strand Hotel. Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin said that the Commission had approved 171 projects from 19 countries, for an investment of US$ 3,328,680,000. The private sector today has 76.4% of the GDP and 50.2% of Myanmar exports. There are now 15,873 registered companies, joint ventures, etc. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel then reviewed Myanmar investment policy. (NLM 5/24) // May 24: The Seminar ended with an address by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin, reviewing Myanmar investment, banking, and insurance policies. (NLM 5/25) May 27: Myanmar Computer Systems Co. Ltd. (MCS) organized an exhibit of new computer products at the Yuzana Garden Hotel; Managing Director Mr. Herman Ho opened the show. (NLM 5/28) May 28: A Seminar on Sustainable Management of Coral Reefs and Related Ecosystems opened in Hmawby, and was addressed by Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. He said Myanmar's coral reefs, mostly in Myeik [Mergui] archipelago, "are also under threat from physical damages caused by unscrupulous fishing methods such as dynamiting and trawling in shallow waters.... He also pointed out the lack of public awareness and the lack of government policy, legislation and implementation for the sustainable management of the coastal resources...." including mangroves. 100 guests are attending, including the UNDP Resident Representative, government and academic officials, and representatives of Care Australia, Wildlife Conservation Society, Smithsonian Institution, and Woodland Travels Co. Ltd. There are 80 participants in the 2-day seminar, in which 9 papers will be presented. (NLM 5/29) May 28: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt attended an IBM Launch and Seminar at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road, along with other Ministers. Foreign participants included General Manager Mr. Errol Pereira and Business Development Manager Mr. Ang Chye Hin of IBM Singapore Pte. Ltd., and Ms. Patracia [sic] Su of Myanmar World Distribution Co. Ltd. Information Technology Specialist Chan Chung Kit of IBM Singapore Pte. Ltd. spoke on Internet; Production Manager Mr. Gavin Toovey spoke on Global Trends in Computing, and on IBM products; Business Development Manager Mr. Zac Boon of Lotus Development Asia/Pacific spoke on Work Group Computing. (NLM 5/29) May 30: A Seminar on Innovations in Distance Learning, co-sponsored by the Ministry of Education and UNESCO, was held. Minister for Education U Pan Aung and Prof. Wang Yi Bing of UNESCO spoke; the seminar will last until June 4. (NLM 5/ 31) Border Cooperation May 8: The Third Joint Meeting of MoU senior officials of Myanmar, China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the UN International Drug Control Programme was held at the Central Hotel, and was addressed by Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin. 30 delegates are present. (NLM 5/9) // May 9: Delegation leaders called on Lt-Gen. Mya Thin. They are UNDCP Regional Director Mr. Vincent McClean; Deputy Director-General Mr. Liu Zhi Min of the Chinese National Narcotics Control Committee, Adviser to the Deputy Premier Mr. Mau Phat of the Cambodian Home Affairs Department, Chairman Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Soubanh Srithirath of the Laos Narcotics Control Committee, Adviser Police General Mr. Chavalit Yodmani of the Thailand ONCB, and General Secretary Mr. Prija Champaratna and Secretary-General Dr. Be Truong Thanh of the Vietnam UNDCP. Also attending were Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Col. Tin Hlaing and Myanmar Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Secretary Police Force Director-General Police Maj-Gen. Soe Win. (NLM 5/10) // May 10: The Myanmar-Thai-UNDCP Drug Control Programme Work Committee and the Myanmar-China-UNDCP Drug Control Programme Work Committee each held their seventh sessions. (NLM 5/11) May 19: A Bangladesh delegation led by Additional Foreign Secretary Mr. M. Aminul Islam arrived to attend the 20th Myanmar-Bangladesh High-Level Coordination Meeting in Yangon. (NLM 5/20) // May 20: The meeting began, with the Myanmar delegation led by Director-General U Maung Aung of the Immigration and Manpower Department. The six-member Bangladesh delegation called on Minister for Immigration and Population Lt-Gen. Maung Hla. (NLM 5/21) // May 23: He called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin, prior to returning home. (NLM 5/ 24) Donations from Abroad [We report here donations apparently from foreign sources, except for those incidental to visits reported elsewhere. We do not normally report the numerous articles on Burmese donations to government, religious, and social organizations and charities.] Apr. 30: Chairman Mr. Vikrom Aisiri of the Andaman Club donated K 1 million as a trust fund for the Home for the Aged run by the Little Sisters of the Poor in Mingala Taungnyunt Township. Sister Simplicia said the home was established on Nov. 11, 1898, and now has 180 residents. (NLM 5/1) Apr. 30: The Seung Bo Kong Kyung Buddhist Association of Seoul, Korea, donated $5,000 to the State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkatho. (NLM 5/1) May 1: The Japan Foundation presented 129 books on Japanese culture to the University of Culture, Institute of Economics, and Dagon University. (NLM 5/2) May 3: Managing Director Mr. Eric Teng of JointCom Enterprise of Singapore, accompanied by Ms. Jeanne Ng, and directors of Premier Services U Kyi Nyunt, U Maung Maung, and U Thein Lwin donated K 60,000 to employee welfare societies of the News and Periodicals Enterprise, to celebrate the merger of the two advertising agencies. (NLM 5/4) May 3: Former German Ambassador Dr. Baron Walther von Marschall and Baroness Hninzi donated a K 130,000 ECG to the Children's Hospital. (NLM 5/4) May 16: Managing Director Mr. Jung-Ho Jo of the Kolon Group of Korea donated a computer to the Ministry of Trade, under arrangements made by Myanmar Highway Co. Ltd. (NLM 5/17) May 29: Resident Representative Mr. Takahashi of Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi donated $8,400 in stipends for 60 outstanding Myanmar students, 40 at the Institutes of Medicine and 20 at Yangon University. (NLM 5/30) Karuna Foundation There have been increasing numbers of reports of donations to the Myanmar Karuna [sometimes Garuna] Foundation, recently established by the Ministry of Trade, which will provide clinics for the poor around the country. It has become a favorite recipient of gifts by visiting foreign businessmen and by Myanmar businesses. Thus, the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry donated K 2 million to the Foundation on May 29, May 30: The Myanmar Karuna Foundation opened six free clinics in five Yangon townships, in the presence of SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo. He said that the Foundation "is the first non-government organization" to become involved in clinics. Foundation Patron for life Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi "said the foundation has opened the clinics with the help of wellwishers, adding plans are under way to open a total of 11 here and another three in Mandalay." (NLM 5/31) FOREIGN VISITORS [Although we rarely note the fact, foreign visitors calling on Myanmar officials are often accompanied by their Ambassadors. -- HCMacD.] International Agency Visitors May 3: Director-General Mr. Y. Seyyid Momoh Abdulai of the OPEC Trust Fund called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/4) Academic Visitors May 24: Dr. Arnold L. Gordon, "prominent scientist of KNORR" and Professor of Marine Biology at Columbia University in the United States, and his wife Marine Biology researcher Dr. Amy Field, met with Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Than Nyunt to discuss cooperation in marine biology research; the Professor also met with representatives of the Foreign Ministry, Naval Hydrographic Depot, Meteorology and Hydrology Department, Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, Fisheries Department, and Higher Education Department. On May 22 he visited Mawlamyine University and the Marine Biology Research Department at Setse. (NLM 5/25) Medical Visitors May 2: Member of the Japan House of Councillors Mr. Tatsuo Ozawa, Chairman of the Japan Foundation for AIDS Prevention, called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and made a donation of 5 million for AIDS research and prevention. He also called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt. (NLM 5/ 3) Business Visitors [May include Governmental delegations with predominantly commercial aims. Delegations are often accompanied on their calls by their country's Ambassador or other diplomatic personnel in Yangon.] Apr. 30: Dr. Manju V. Mehta and an 8-member FICCI Ladies Organization of India called on Chairman U Khin Maung Yi and members of the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (NLM 5/1) // May 1: He met with President Daw Sein Sein of the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association. (NLM 5/2) Apr. 30: Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel hosted a dinner for Adviser Mr. Isamu Miyazaki of the Daiwa Institute of Research Co. Ltd. of Japan. During the day he the Adviser called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and in Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/1) May 1: Senior Executive Director Mr. Kanji Hayama of Taisei Corporation of Japan, accompanied by the General Manager of the Civil Engineering Department, called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss airport construction. (NLM 5/2) May 1: Managing Director Mr. Minoru Maeda and party of Japan Airport Consultants Inc. called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss airport construction. (NLM 5/2) May 2: Executive Director Ms. Tao Ong of Shing Kwan Pte. Ltd. called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. May 3: Chairman Mr. Akira Miyazaki of Kajima Corp. of Japan called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung, and on SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye. (NLM 5/4) May 3: President Mr. Ki-Bum Yoo of Daewoo Telecom Ltd. and Managing Director Mr. Dan Sung Lee of Myanmar Korea Timber International Ltd. called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 5/4) May 3: A Chief Executive Officer Mr. Samsuddin Marsop of the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi to discuss the upcoming Malaysian trade fair [see below]. (NLM 5/4) May 6: President Mr. Naotaka Saeki of Sanwa Bank of Japan and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/7) May 7: Vice-Chairman Mr. John Dow of Newmont Gold Co. of the United States, who is Director of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya of Indonesia, and party called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min to discuss "extension of Special Metal 2 Gold Project in Kyaukpahto area, [and] agreement on gold exploration ...." He also called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/8) May 8: President Mr. Masas Yosomiya and party of Kanematsu Corporation of Japan called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 5/9) May 8: Managing Director Mr. Yutaka Okajima of Chikyu No Tabi Travel Co. (CNT) and Senior Manager Mr. Junji Onishi of All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd. (ANA) of Japan called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, to discuss air service; ANA will begin twice-a-week service next month. The Minister noted that Yangon Airways would soon make its maiden flight. (NLM 5/9) May 9: A delegation led by Tan Sri Dato Azman Hashim of Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) Malaysia South-South Corporation of Malaysia (MASSCORP) called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/10) // May 10: The delegation called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe and on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 5/11) // May 11: The delegation called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 5/12) May 9: Chairman Mr. Michiharu Tsukada of the Singapore Branch Office of Marubeni Corporation of Japan and party called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung to discuss water availability for agriculture and cultivation of paddy, sessamum, and tea. (NLM 5/10) May 9: Chairman Dr. Terapol Pruksathorn of Sutech Engineering Co. Ltd. of Thailand and party called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung to discuss sugar cane production and sugar mills. (NLM 5/ 10) May 9: A Chinese delegation headed by Mr. Nopparat Sujaritpinij of UH Trading Co. called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss the Thilawa and the Kyaukphyu deep-water ports. (NLM 5/10) May 13: A delegation from Siemens AG of Germany called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/ 14) // May 14: Managing Director Mr. Haslestad called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein; Mr. Karl-Ernst Weismann and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/15) May 14: Regional Manager Mr. Roberto Galeotti of Nuovo Pignone of Italy called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 5/15) May 14: Central Committee Member Mr. Udorn Tantisunthorn of the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge Project and party called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba to discuss tourism investment, and a feasibility study on transport facilities to be arranged with ESCAP. (NLM 5/15) May 14: President Mr. Masaki Ishikawa of Kitano Indo Co. Ltd. of Japan and party called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi to discuss cooperation in fishing. (NLM 5/15) May 15: Chairman Mr. Linzai You of Yunnan Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Corporation called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 5/16) May 16: President Mr. M.S. Warwick and party of Shell (Bangkok) called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin to discuss oil and natural gas. (NLM 5/18) May 16: President Mr. Kwon Moon Koo of LG International Corporation of Korea called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 5/17) // May 17: He called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/18) May 16: Vice-President Mr. Ding Shiqing and party of the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss flights between the two countries. (NLM 5/17) May 17: Director and General Manager (International Division) Mr. Soichi Hirabayashi and party of the Fuji Bank called on Deputy Minister for Finance U Win Naing. (NLM 5/18) May 17: Executive Vice-President Mr. Susumu Hayashi of Satake Corporation of Japan and party called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 5/18) May 17: Chairman Mr. Vijit Supinit of the Export and Import Bank of Thailand and party called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 5/18) May 17: Dr. Kazusue Konoike of Konoike Construction Co. Ltd. and party called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba; the company will "undertake for timely completion" of the Sakura Tower Building on Sule Pagoda Road, a housing project on the corner of Thanlwin and Panwa Streets, and renovation of the Thiripyitsaya Hotel in Bagan. He donated $1,000 for Bagan pagoda restoration, $1,000 for the Youth Training School, and $1,000 for the Little Sisters' Home for the Aged in Mingala Taungnyunt Township. (NLM 5/18) May 18: Executive Director Mr. Hirose Shoji of Kyushu Massage Co. Ltd. of Japan called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba; he will teach massage to youths at the School for the Blind. (NLM 5/19) May 21: President Mr. Um Gil Yong and party of Daewoo Orion Electric Co. Ltd. of Korea called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 5/22) May 21: Chairman Mr. Masamori Takano of the Asian Information Exchange Inc. of Japan and a delegation led by Mr. Koki Onodera of Yangon International Hotel called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, who expressed hope that more Japanese would come to Myanmar on ANA's Osaka-Yangon direct flight. (NLM 5/ 22) May 22: General Manager Mr. H. Nakamura of Marubeni Corporation of Japan called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 5/23) May 23: President Mr. Roger E. Truitt of Atlantic Richfield Co. (ARCO) of the United States and party called on SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye. (NLM 5/24) // May 24: He called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/ 25) May 23: Special Adviser to the Japanese Minister of Finance Mr. Kosuke Nakahira and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 5/24) May 23: President Mr. Chung Mok Yoon of Jaeil Engineering Co. Ltd. of Korea called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/24) May 23: Chairman Mr. Ramesh Kumar Agarwal of Piyarelall Group and party called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi; he donated K 100,000 to the Garuna Foundation [which provides clinics for the poor]. (NLM 5/24) May 24: President Mr. Chali Sophonponich of Ticon Hotel Holding Co. Ltd. of British Virgin Islands and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/25) May 24: Managing Director Mr. Shota Morita of Pacific Consultants International of Japan called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss airport construction. (NLM 5/25) May 24: President Mr. Syed Mahmudul Huq of Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association and party met with Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung at the Fisheries Department to discuss commercial production of sea prawns, etc. (NLM 5/25) // May 27: He called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/28) May 27: Managing Director Mr. Werner Gelpke of New Sulzer Diesel Singapore Pte. Ltd. called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/28) May 27: Executive Director U Kyaw Khin and party of Myanmar Singapore International Ltd. called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, and donated K 1 million to the Myanma Garuna Foundation. (NLM 5/28) May 27: Dr. Peng of the Hoecheong Group of Companies of Hong Kong and party called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi and Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung to discuss prawn breeding, etc. (NLM 5/28) May 28: Chairman Mr. E.K. Ho of the Ho Group of Thailand called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/29) May 28: Vice-President Mr. D.D. Gupta of the Singapore Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Managing Director of Sineximco (Pte.) Ltd. and party called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 5/29) May 28: Consultant Mr. Dieter Weinspach, on behalf of Maschinen und Muhlenbau (MMW) GmbH called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/29) May 29: Chairman of the Board Mr. M. Matok of Arzan International Ltd. (1991) and Managing Director Mr. S. Salman of Lotal S.M. Ltd. (1989) of Israel called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung to discuss importing Myanmar agricultural products to Israel. (NLM 5/30) May 29: Chief Executive Director Mr. Poh Chee Kuan of Bored Piling Group (Singapore) and party called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min to discuss extraction of granite. (NLM 5/30) May 29: Assistant General Manager Mr. Lim Kaw of Wing Tiek Holding Bhd., a subsidiary of Westmont Land (Asia) Bhd of Malaysia, and party called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 5/30) May 30: Regional Director Mr. Roberto Ascoli of Unilever International Market Development Co. of Singapore and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/31) May 30: Senior Executive Vice-President Mr. Jean-Pierre Eymery of Ciments Francais of France and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/31) Religious Visitors May 1: Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Ni Qiang of the Buddhist League of China, and Mr. Jin Yang of the International Department, who brought eight monks to Myanmar to study at the State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkatho (Yangon), departed for home. (NLM 5/ 2) Media Visitors May 8: A Chinese Journalists Delegation led by Deputy Director-General Mr. Zhao Huali of the China Legal Daily called on Managing Director of the News and Periodicals Enterprise. Other delegation members are Director Mr. Liu Zhenyun of the Cultural Department of the Peasants Daily; Director Mr. Yan Li of the Chief Editor's Office of Jiangxi Daily; Director Mr. Jia Chanmung of the Editorial Department of China Pictorial; and Mr. Cai Di of the International Department of the China Journalist Association. (NLM 5/9) // May 9: The delegation visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Sarpay Beikman, and went shopping. (NLM 5/10) // May 12: Mandalay Mayor Col. Sein Win hosted a dinner for the delegation. (NLM 5/13) // May 13: The delegation visited PyinOoLwin and Taunggyi. (NLM 5/14) // May 14: It toured Taunggyi, before returning to Yangon. (NLM 5/15) // May 15: The delegation toured Yangon, visiting the National Indoor Stadium No. 1, the Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge, the Defence Services Museum, and the Myanmar Gems Museum. It called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw, who hosted a dinner. (NLM 5/16) // May 16: The delegation visited the Myanma Television and Radio Department and Dagon University. (NLM 5/17) // May 17: The delegation departed. (NLM 5/18) March Thai Visit Mar. 17: Arrival of Thai Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-Archer; reception by SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe; call on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt; agreement signed on border trade. [two pages of photos]. (NLM 3/18) [Events recounted in detail in Final Communique, for which see the March issue of BPS -- HCMacD.] Chinese Military Delegation Apr. 30: Vice-Chairman Gen. Zhang Wannian of the Chinese Central Military Commission, and party, visited the Thanlyin Naval Training Command Headquarters and the Mingaladon Air Force Base. His wife, Mme. Zhong Pei Zhao, visited the Myanmar Gems Museum. Later the delegation flew to Mandalay. (NLM 5/1) // May 2: He visited Mandalay on Apr. 30, and Taunggyi on May 1, returning to Yangon on the morning of May 2. On May 2 he visited the Myanma Gems Museum. (NLM 5/3) // May 3: He departed. (NLM 5/4) Chinese Deputy Attorney-General May 1: Chinese Deputy Attorney-General Mr. Zhao Hong and party called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Later he departed for home. He had visited Bagan on Apr. 28, and Mandalay on Apr. 29-30. (NLM 5/2) Chinese Provincial Delegations May 2: Governor Mr. Tong Yongzi of Jingan District, Shanghai City, and party called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi and on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 5/3) May 15: An 11-member Police Delegation led by Chief Mr. Yang Ming of the Yunnan Province Police arrived on May 8. In addition to meeting with Myanmar police officials, it toured Yangon and Mandalay. The delegation departed. (NLM 5/16) May 16: Deputy Director-General Mr. Zhang Ruikum and party of the Yunnan Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 5/17) // May 18: He called on Director-General U Maung Hti of the Cooperatives Department to discuss Myanmar participation in Kunming Trade Fair '96. (NLM 5/19) May 29: Vice-Mayor of Kunming Ms. Lin Shuang Shuang arrived to attend the inauguration of Yangon Shanghai International Shopping Centre. (NLM 5/30) // May 30: She called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 5/31) Philippine Congressman May 10: Philippine Congressman Mr. Homobono T. Cezar and party called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 5/11) Lao Military Delegations May 22: Maj-Gen. Soulima Bouleut, Director of the Lao Military Academy, called on Chief of Armed Forces Training Brig-Gen. Saw Lwin. (NLM 5/23) May 29: A 44-member Laotian Armed Forces cultural troupe arrived. (NLM 5/30) Malaysian Youth May 27: A Malaysian Youth Delegation led by Deputy Minister of Prime Minister's Office, Vice-Chairman of United Malays National Organization (UMNO), Mr. Datuk Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz arrived at the invitation of the Union Solidarity and Development Association. USDA Secretary-General Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung hosted a dinner. NLM 5/28) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations May 8: A delegation led by Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung left to study industries in Indonesia. Members are Managing Director U Than Shwe of Myanma Food Industries, Mill Manager U Ye Win of Paleik Textile and Finishing Mill, Factory Manager U Kyi Maung of Kyangin Cement Factory No. 2, and Assistant Director U Zaw Lwin Oo of Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries. (NLM 5/9) May 12: A delegation led by Deputy Minister for Education Col. Kyi Maung left for Jakarta to attend the May 13-16 Workshop on Trends in Governance, Community Participation, and Local Capacity Building in East Asia and the Pacific, sponsored by UNICEF and UNESCO. He was accompanied by Assistant Director U Myint Thein of the Basic Education Department. (NLM 5/13) // May 19: The delegation returned. (NLM 5/20) // May 21: The delegation arrived in Jakarta May 12. On May 13, it joined deputy education ministers from 15 nations in the workshop, and presented a paper on Continuous Assessment and Progression System and All Children in School. On the third day, Col. Kyi Maung presented a paper on Participation of Rural Populace in Educational Activities and Separation of Responsibilities and Rights at Different Levels. (NLM 5/22) May 12: Director-General U Kyaw Myint of the Trade Department left for Tokyo to attend the May 14-24 Seminar on Marketing Systems for Agricultural Products. (NLM 5/ 13) May 12: A delegation led by Deputy Minister for Education Col. Kyi Maung left for Jakarta to attend a May 13-16 Workshop on Participation of Rural Population in Educational Activities and Self-Reliance Process in East Asia and the Pacific Region, cosponsored by UNICEF and UNESCO. He was accompanied by Assistant Director U Myint Thein of the Basic Education Department. (NLM 5/13) May 26: Chief Editor U Ye Tint of Kyemon Daily left for Japan to study social life and exchange media knowledge with his counterparts. (NLM 5/27) May 29: A delegation led by Managing Director U Than Maung of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise left for China to study under the Cultural Exchange Program. Members are Head of Eye Department Lt-Col. Ye Naing (Dr. Ye Naing) of the Directorate of Medical Services, writer U Ohn Pe (Ohn Pe-Pakokku), writer Daw Khin Khin Sein (Yuwady Khin Sein Hlaing), and delegation secretary Chief Editor Lt-Col. Chit Naing (Chit Naing-Seikpyinnya) of Myawady Literature House. (NLM 5/30) Delegations to Meetings Apr. 30: A delegation led by Minister for Construction Maj-Gen. Saw Tun left for Verona, Italy to attend the May 1-5 23rd International Construction Equipment Exhibition, and to study factories producing bridge frames and piling machines in Italy and Switzerland. He was accompanied by Chief Engineer (Roads) U Thant Zin, Project Director U Soe Win of the Pyay Bridge Project, Senior Engineer (Mechanical) U Sein Lin of the Mechanical Equipment Unit (North) in Mandalay, Senior Engineer U Nyunt Maung San of Construction Unit 11, the Minister's PSO Capt. Nyan Soe, Head of Office U Min Thein, and Maj. Htay Sein and Maj. Tun Aung Kyaw of the Defence Ministry. (NLM 5/1) // May 15: The delegation returned. (NLM 5/16) // May 19: In addition to attending the exhibition, the Minister visited industrial sites in Verona from May 6-8, observed highway and tunnel construction May 9 en route to Zurich, Switzerland, and studies gas production through sewage in Singapore. (NLM 5/20) May 11: A delegation led by Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt left to attend the 49th Session of the World Health Organization in Geneva, May 20-25. Five delegation members left with the Minister: Director-General U Hla Myint and Director (Treatment) Dr. Wan Maung of the Health Department, Principal Dr. C. Khaung Min of the Primary Health Care Personnel Training Institute, delegation Secretary Deputy Director (Foreign Relations) Dr. Ohn Kyaw of the Health Ministry, and the Minister's PSO Lt. (Navy) Moe Aung. Other delegation members are Permanent Representative to the UN (Geneva) Ambassador U Aye, Counsellor U Denzil Abel, and mission officials U Lin Myaing, U Tun Arnt, U Aung Ba Kyu, and Daw L. Nan San. (NLM 5/12) May 14: A delegation led by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel left for Tokyo to attend the May 16-17 International Conference on the Future of Asia, sponsored by Nihon Kezai Shimbun Press Centre. The Minister was accompanied by Maj. Hla Min of the Defence Ministry and PSO U Tin Maung Htay. (NLM 5/15) // May 19: The delegation returned. (NLM 5/20) May 29: Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, accompanied by Director-General U Maung Maung Yi of the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration, left for Germany to attend a Forum on Investment Opportunities in Private Sector in Frankfort, and a Forum on Private Sector in Brussels, Belgium. (NLM 5/30) Religious Delegations May 25: A Myanmar Buddhist delegation led by Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kumara, and Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, left for Malaysia to attend the opening of the Dhamika Yama Kyaungtaik Theindawgyi in Penang. (NLM 5/26) Industry Minister to Indonesia May 18: Minister for Industry-1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung visited Indonesia from May 8-18, at the invitation of Indonesian Minister of Industry and Trade Mr. Ariwibowo. On May 8 he called on Mr. Ariwibowo, and on May 9 on President Suharto. He visited the Texmaco textile factory, a chemical textile factory, a power station, and the Indocement factory. On May 10 he visited a cigarette factory in Surabaya, and a cigarette factory and Virginia tobacco storage facility in Pandaan on May 11. He studied Indonesian batiks and handicrafts in Yogyakarta on May 12, before returning home on May 18. (NLM 5/19) Delegation to Laos May 25: A delegation led by Minister at the State Law and Order Restoration Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen. Min Thein left for Laos at the invitation of Laos Minister of National Defence Lt-Gen. Choumhaly Sayasone. The 10-member delegation includes Chairman Brig-Gen. Thein Sein of Shan State (East) LORC, Director of Defence Services Public Relations and Psychological Warfare Brig-Gen. Aung Thein, Naval Staff Captain Capt. Khin Aung (Navy), and Air Staff Colonel Col. Tin Oo. (NLM 5/26) Delegations Return [Return to Yangon of delegations which had left in previous months, or whose departure had not been noticed in NLD] Mar. 17: The delegation led by Director-General Lt-Col. Khin Maung Lat of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism returned from the International Tourism Bourse (ITB '96) in Berlin. (NLM 3/18) Apr. 30: The industrial delegation led by Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than returned from Russia on Apr. 29. On Apr. 23, it had talks with Chairman Mr. Z.P. Pak of the State Defence Committee, First Deputy Chairman Mr. B.Y. Yesipemko of the State Committee for Military and Technical Policy, and First Deputy Director-General Mr. M.N. Tinkin of the State Committee for Supply of Russian Arms and Ammunition. On Apr. 24, it visited the Gaz Motor Vehicle Factory in Nizhny Novgorod, and was escorted by Deputy Director-General Mr. Evgeny Tisberev. On Apr. 25 it visited the Die Production Factory and Motor Factory in Azamas. On Apr. 26, it visited the Heliumash Liquified Gas Factory in Moscow, and met with Deputy Chairman Mr. A.A. Kutukov of Russian Commercial Industries. The State Defence Committee hosted a dinner. On Apr. 27, the delegation discussed production of agricultural equipment and supply of cast materials at the Myanmar Embassy. (NLM 5/1) May 2: Editor U Win Naing of The New Light of Myanmar returned from New Delhi, where he attended the 26th Diploma Course in News Agency Journalism for Non-aligned Countries. (NLM 5/3) May 8: The delegation led by Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein returned from studying railway services in Germany, the United States, and Canada. (NLM 5/9) // May 10: Germany -- On Apr. 18 the delegation visited the MTU locomotive company in Friedrichschafen, Germany; Myanma Railways is now using 102 MTU locomotives. It studied tunnel building at the Scientific Museum in Munich, and met in Wiesbaden with the Managing Director of Fritz Werner to discuss "future relations between Myanmar and Fritz Werner and Ferrostaal companies." USA -- On Apr. 22 the delegation studied 3,500 HP plus engines at the Caterpillar Plan in Lafayette, and were briefed by General Manager Mr. Bill Barber and Mr. David Schaeffner. Myanma Railways has 12 2,000-HP Caterpillar locomotives. At Caterpillar head office in Peoria, Vice-President Mr. Jim Owen welcomed them. On Apr. 24 the delegation visited the Caterpillar Research Centre in Peoria, welcomed by Director Mr. Ken Bennett, and the Peoria Railway Yard. On Apr. 25 it visited the Caterpillar quality control centre in Aurora, welcomed by General Manager Mr. Behere, to study production of excavators and tippers. On Apr. 29, the delegation studied Metro Link trains and maintenance in Los Angeles. Canada -- On Apr. 30 the delegation visited the British Columbia Rail Centre in Vancouver, and on May 1 the BC Rail Servicing Plant in Squamich. (NLM 5/11) May 11: The delegation led by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin returned from the Apr. 30-May 2 29th Meeting of the Asian Development Bank in Manila. (NLM 5/12) May 28: A delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw returned from the Ministerial-level meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Cartagena, Colombia, held from May 15-16, and a Ministerial-level Meeting on the Environment for Asia and the Pacific held in Minakami Matachi, Japan, on May 26. He was accompanied by Director U Thaung Tun and personal assistant U Zaw Myint Oo. In Colombia, the Minister met with President Mr. Ernesto Samper Pizano and the Foreign Minister; in Japan he met with the Foreign Minister on May 24. (NLM 5/29) Forestry Delegation to Asia May 29: A delegation led by Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe left on a goodwill visit to China and the Philippines. The delegation includes Director-General U Soe Tint of the Planning and Statistics Department, Adviser U Myat Thin, General Manager U Shwe Baw of Myanma Timber Enterprise, and the minister's PSO Capt. Than Aung. (NLM 5/30) MILITARY Enemy Attacks May 22: A KNU mine derailed four coaches of a Mandalay-Yangon Mail Train at 11.30 pm, May 21, at milepost 123/8 between Gonde village and a bridge near Kanyutkwin in Phyu Township. Two oil-tankers overturned and four coaches including two freight wagons and the brake car jumped the tracks. Five men, 3 women, and a child were killed; 3 men and 4 women were injured. "The Tatmadaw and the people are in hot pursuit of the culprits." (NLM 5/23) // May 25: Over 25,000 people gathered in Phyu Township on May 23 to denounce the atrocities of Kayin terrorists, such as those who planted the mine. (NLM 5/26) Surrenders by Armed Group Members May 9: 54 more members of the Mong Tai Army [MTA-Khun Sa's group] returned to the legal fold at Tachilek during the second week of April. (NLM 5/10) May 10: Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin told visiting drug control officials (see above, under Border Cooperation) that up to now "13,530 members of the MTA have surrendered bringing 8,197 assorted weapons." (NLM 5/11) May 13: Eleven more members of the Mong Tai Army returned to the legal fold at Mongkhat Camp on Apr. 30. (NLM 5/14) May 14: During April, 20 members of various armed groups (including 3 wives) returned to the legal fold [names and details]. (NLM 5/15) GOVERNMENT Workers Day Message May 1: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe issued the following message on the occasion of 1996 Workers Day [full text]: To all esteemed workers, On this auspicious occasion of Workers Day which falls on 1 May 1996, I send this message in honour of the blue collar and white collar workers in the entire Union of Myanmar, extending my greetings to you wishing you physical and spiritual wellbeing. Workers Day ceremonies are being held in many nations including Myanmar in recognition of their crucial role in fulfilling the needs of human society extensively through their physical and intellectual strength and diligence. When Myanmar was under colonial rule for over 100 years, the colonial government systematically schemed to cause degeneration of Union spirit, nationalism and patriotism of the nationals. Historical records clearly show that the colonialists mercilessly made the national workers sacrifice life, blood and sweat in unjustly exploiting the resources of Myanmar. In spite of the colonialists' suppression and destruction of their fine inborn character, the Myanmar nationals including workers and peasants possessing nationalist spirit, patriotic spirit and patriotic fervour had been able to regain independence after unitedly rising against the former. Though the nation was to be rebuilt with the united strength of the peasantry and workers during the post-Independence period, the peasantry and workers were given political tint by parties, divisive acts of various Thammaggas and internal strife; the objective of rebuilding the nation could not be achieved and it remained merely a dream. Taking lesson from those incidents it is necessary to avoid, with a high level of awareness, such interference caused by party politics, for it could jeopardize the unity already secured among the mass of workers. The inherent patriotic spirit and anti-colonialist spirit are to be always preserved to prevent the nation from being enslaved once again. The workers see for themselves that the State Law and Order Restoration Council has achieved success in implementing political, economic and social objectives for building a peaceful, modern and developed nation. The political objective for community peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order has been realized almost cent per cent while success has been achieved stage by stage in efforts for the emergence of a new, enduring State Constitution. The four-year plan from 1992-93 to 1995-96 was implemented through diligence in accordance with the economic objectives laid down for national economic progress. There was success with clear evidence that firm foundations have emerged for the long-term progress of the national economy. The short-term five-year plan is being implemented from 1996-97 to 2000-2001 for making sustained efforts to consolidate the good economic foundations and for the long-term progress. The entire mass of the national peoples including workers and peasants are urged to play their role in the task together with the government. All esteemed workers, If a study is made of the developing [sic] nations, it is clearly found that their citizens work hard with diligence and perseverance, in discipline. So, I would like to urge Myanmar workers to exert their utmost efforts while in discipline for the modernization and development of the nation. At a time when we are building a peaceful, modern and developed nation, I would like to emphatically urge blue collar and white collar workers to actively participate together with the entire mass of national peoples: -- for realization of political, economic and social objectives; -- for realization and over-fulfilling the 1996-97 yearly plan targets of the nation; and -- for the success of national political movement for the emergence of the new State Constitution. (NLM 5/1) Cabinet Changes May 29: State Law and Order Restoration Council Declaration No. 3/96 of May 29, Change of Portfolio for Minister: The State Law and Order Restoration Council has changed portfolio for Minister Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin and appointed him Minister for Labour. (NLM 5/30) May 29: State Law and Order Restoration Council Declaration No. 4/96 of May 29, Change of Portfolio for Minister: The State Law and Order Restoration Council has changed portfolio for Minister Brig-Gen. Maung Maung [ex-Livestock and Fisheries] and appointed him Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office and also assigned duties as the Secretary of the Myanmar Investment Commission. (NLM 5/30) May 29: State Law and Order Restoration Council Declaration No. 5/96 of May 29, Appointment of Ministers: The State Law and Order Restoration Council has appointed the following persons Ministers of the Ministries shown against each:-- 1. U Aung Thaung Ministry of Livestock Breeding and Fisheries [ex Deputy Minister for Trade] 2. U Saw Tun Ministry of Health [ex Deputy Minister for Industry-2] 3. U Aung San Ministry of Culture [ex-Deputy Minister for Culture] (NLM 5/30) Security & Management Committee May 29: State Law and Order Restoration Council Declaration 2/96 of May 29, Assignment of Duties as members of the Security and Management Committee of the State Law and Order Restoration Council:-- 1. Minister Lt-Gen. Aye Thoung 2. Minister Brig-Gen. Thaung Myint 3. Minister Vice-Admiral Than Nyunt (NLM 5/30) MYANMAR GAZETTE Appointments on Probation The SLORC has appointed the following, on probation: May 15: Lt-Col. (Air) Aung Nyunt, General Manager, to be Managing Director, Myanma Airways, Ministry of Transport. (NLM 5/16) Appointments The SLORC has appointed the following: May 8: U Tin Htay, Managing Director Myanma Department Store, to be Managing Director, Inspection and Agency Services, Ministry of Trade. U Khin Maung Oo, Managing Director, Inspection and Agency Services, to be Managing Director, Myanma Department Store, Ministry of Trade. (NLM 5/9) Appointments Confirmed The SLORC has confirmed the following appointments, after one year of probation: May 22: U Kyaw Myint as Managing Director, Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries, Ministry of Industry-1. U Win Maw as Director-General, Agricultural Mechanization Department, Ministry of Agriculture. U Soe Myint as Director-General, Energy Planning Department, Ministry of Energy. (NLM 5/23) ECONOMIC Economic Articles May 1: Ought to buy, read and study statistical publications, by Aye Pe Thein (Shwekan). [The Central Statistical Organization publishes: (1) Selected Monthly Economic Indicator; (2) Statistical Yearbook; (3) Statistical Abstract; (4) Foreign Trade Statistics of Myanmar; and (5) Statistical Profile of Children and Women in Myanmar. Beginning in 1995, the Statistical Yearbook is also published electronically on diskette. (NLM 5/2) May 19: We have found, by Aung Din (Forestry). [Review of June 1995 Second Teak Symposium, held in Yangon. Thanks to conservation, Myanmar has the world's largest teak trees.] Trade Fairs and Exhibitions May 3: A press conference on the May 7-10 Malaysian Products Exhibition '96, to be held at the Tatmadaw Hall, was given by Marketing Director Miss Jessy Leong of Forum Exposition Sdn Bhd of Malaysia and Managing Director U Shein Win of Silver Kris Pte. Ltd. Over 60 Malaysian companies will exhibit "medicines, housewares, garments, food and beverages, automobile and automotive parts, building materials, electrical appliances, sports equipment, rubber, plastic based products and palm oil products." (NLM 5/4) // May 6: The Exhibition was opened, and addressed by Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, who reviewed Myanmar-Malaysian friendship and trade. He said Malaysia is current investing in 9 projects in Myanmar, for a total of US$227 million. (NLM 5/7) May 23: Bangladeshi Ambassador Brig. Chowdhury Khalequzzaman (Retd) explained the Second Bangladesh Single Country Trade Exhibition which be held at the Inspection and Agency Services on May 24. In 1994-95 Myanmar exports to Bangladesh were K 37.4 million, and Bangladesh exports to Myanmar were K 13.6 million. (NLM 5/24) // May 24: The Exhibition was opened by Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, and will last until May 31. 18 companies are showing "toilet goods, garments, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, electric goods, and other Bangladesh products." (NLM 5/ 25) May 24: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe visited Myanma Industrial Exhibition 96 at Tatmadaw Hall. The Exhibition was then opened by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, who said the industrial sector has risen from 8.7% of GDP in 1988-89 to 9.2% at present. There are 286 showrooms and 35 food stalls; the Exhibition will be open until May 31. (NLM 5/25) // May 26: SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo and Ministers visited the Exhibition, and "viewed tractors, pumps, paddy threshers, weeders, compressors, step-up transformers, barbed wire producing machine, spare parts, machines, household goods and garments produced by private industries, cooperative syndicates, industrial zones and ministries. (NLM 5/27) // May 27: 19 prominent foreign companies from seven nations including Myanmar are displaying "motor vehicles, motorcycles, and various machineries." (NLM 5/28) Project Inaugurations May 4: SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo inaugurated the Shwenattaung Reservoir in Mawlamyine Township [Mon], that will irrigate 400 acres, and supply 4.63 million gallons of water for domestic use. "At present, he said, internal destructionists are engaged in subversive acts with the support of foreign powers and there are also attempts to obstruct flow of investments into the country by making allegations 'there is violation of human rights' and 'people are under compulsion'. These attempts are aimed at causing impacts on the welfare of the State and the people and obstructing the way of the State to modernity and prosperity, he said, reminding all to be vigilant of menace of internal forces who think highly of foreign powers and subversives." (NLM 5/5) May 11: A new five-storey building for Integrated Education was opened at the School for the Blind (Khawegyan) in Mayangon Township, Yangon, in the presence of SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and others. (NLM 5/12) Business Openings May 1: The Star Diamond International Co. Ltd., represented by Chairman U Kyaw Htaung and wife Daw Tin Ho, and Managing Director U Hla Myint, opened a soft drink production plant at 162-64 Industrial Ward, Zone 5, Dagon Myothit (South). "It produces Lemon and Orange softdrinks, soda and other beverages" with a capacity of 48 bottles per minute, to be sold at "reasonable prices." (NLM 5/2) May 6: Accel Marketing Ltd., a subsidiary of the Kuok Group, Singapore, represented by Managing Director Mr. Teo Joo Kim of Kuok (Singapore) Ltd. and Director Mr. Kohtaro Miyagi of Canon Inc. opened the Canon photo/office machine showroom in Yangon, in the presence of Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 5/7) May 8: Myanmar Nouveau Co. inaugurated a gemstone polishing plant at 22 Pyay Road, 7th Mile, Mayangon Township, Yangon. It is a profit-sharing joint venture between Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd., represented by Managing Director Brig-Gen. Win Hlaing, and Nouveau Marketing Co. Ltd. of Thailand, represented by Managing Director Mr. Wichart Mektrakarn, to process precious stones from the Mongshu Mine. The Joint-Venture agreement was signed Feb. 9, 1996, with capital of K 50 million, 51% to UMEH and 49% to Nouveau Marketing. (NLM 5/9) May 11: Golden Shell Co. Ltd. opened its Konica Express Hong Kong Maung Maung Colour Lab at 169 Lanmadaw Street, Yangon, in the presence of Managing Director U Kyee Sein of Shwebamar International Ltd., Managing Director Mr. Wisitsak Wongprachayan of Nice Chem International Co. Ltd., and U Pa Taik of Konica Company (Myanmar). (NLM 5/12) May 11: Myanma SPA Today Advertising Ltd. was launched at a dinner attended by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba and others. Chairman Dr. Tha Tun Oo of the Today Group and Chairman Mr. Surat Osthanagrap of Osothasapha Group spoke; $41,000 was donated to the Tourism Development Management Committee. (NLM 5/ 12) May 11: The K 18 million Myaing Hay Wun Food Centre, jointly operated by the Restaurant and Beverage Enterprise and the YHO Co. Ltd. on a profit-sharing basis, opened at the 8th mile Junction in Mayangon Township, Yangon. "As the living standard of the people is getting higher, life also seems to be in the fast lane. To go along with this kind of life-style people need, ready made, carry-out, food-centre, where they can have comfortable and easy life. Fresh vegetables, poultry products and dairy products and daily necessities should be within easy reach that such kind of food centre become a real necessity for urban population." YHO Managing Director Daw Ohnma Myint said YHO has 95 workers, and has hired 60 more for the food centre, which will be open seven days a week from 10 am to 8 pm. (NLM 5/12) May 16: Myanma Insurance opened its new K 214 million head office at 627-635 Merchant Street, Yangon. (NLM 5/17) May 19: Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung attended the formation of Nawyun Education Services Co. Ltd. in Mingala Taungnyunt Township, which will "run hostels, distribution [sic] educational publications and stationery, printing, computer and electronic courses, foreign language courses and sale of foodstuff." Advertisements May 6: Two full page advertisements commemorating the opening of the Canon Office/Showroom on Sule Pagoda Road. May 6,14,21: One-third page advertisement for Canon computer printers, ranging in price from K 30,000 to K 210,000. May 12: Half-page ad celebrating the opening of the Myaing Hay Wun Food Centre. May 16: Full page ad celebrating opening of Myanma Insurance's new office building. May 24,28: Full page ad for Philips batteries and electronic equipment. May 24-25: Half-page ad of "Contracting Opportunities in Myanmar" from TOTAL oil company. Agreements with Foreign Firms May 2: Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Zaw Win and Newjec Consultant Group of Kajima Corporation of Japan, represented by Kajima Chairman Mr. Arkira Miyazaki, signed a contract to build two diversion tunnels of the 280-megawatt station of the Paunglaung Hydel-Power Project. (NLM 5/3) (NLM 5/3) May 11: Myanma Five Star Line, represented by Managing Director U Khin Maung Htoo, and Yunnan Machinery Import and Export Corporation, represented by Chairman Mr. Wu Wen Kuan, signed an agreement for the purchase a new coastal liner. The 550-ton liner [sic] is 252 feet long, and can carry 440 passengers at 14.5 knots; it will be used on the Taninthayi and Rakhine coastal runs. Two 3,000-ton coastal liners are also being built by Wu Song (Shanghai) Shipyard. (NLM 5/12) May 13: At a meeting of the Special Projects Implementation Committee, Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein "discussed the matter on permitting ARCO oil company of the United States to carry out oil exploration and production at Myanmar Offshore Block M-7...." (NLM 5/14) May 15: Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, represented by Managing Director U Htay Aung and Interdigital Communications Corporation of the United States, represented by Vice-President Mr. William M. Hilsman signed a contract to instal 500 auto-radio telephone lines in Yangon, 250 in Bagan-NyaungU, and 100 in Shinmadaung area, Pakokku. (NLM 5/16) May 17: The Department of Civil Aviation, represented by Director-General U Tin Aye, and Italian-Thai Development Public Co. Ltd. represented by Chairman Dr. Chaijudh Karnasuta, signed a US$ 150 million turnkey contract for the construction of Mandalay International Airport, in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding signed Dec. 14, 1995, with a US$ 150 million loan from the Thai Export-Import Bank, represented by Chairman Mr. Vijit Supinit. The loan agreement was signed by U Tin Aye and Mr. Pridiya Thern Dejakula. Also present were Mr. Premchai Karnasuta, and numerous Myanmar official headed by Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (NLM 5/ 18) May 21: A contract was signed between Myanma Port Authority, represented by Managing Director U Tin Oo, and Yunnan Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Corporation, represented by Chairman Mr. Linzai You, for construction of a container wharf at Yangon Port. It will accommodate 167-metre container ships, will be 30.5 metres wide, and will be completed in 21 months at a cost of K 744 million and $27,099,000. (NLM 5/22) May 22: Siam City Bank Pfc. of Thailand, represented by President Dr. Som Jatusipitak, and Myanmar May Flower Bank, represented by Chairman U Kyaw Win, on May 10 signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form a joint venture bank in Myanmar. (NLM 5/23) May 23: Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Kyaw Nyein, and Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) of the United States, represented by President Mr. Roger E. Truitt, signed a production-sharing agreement for Offshore Block M-7. Soon, ARCO will start drilling also in Block M-9. (NLM 5/24) May 24: Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Zaw Win, and China National Agricultural Machinery Corporation and Hunan Hydroelectric Power Survey and Design Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a the 90 megawatt Kun Hydel Power Plant Project in Phyu, Bago Division. (NLM 5/25) May 27: The Immigration and Manpower Department, represented by Director-General U Maung Aung and Chancery Chambers Ltd. of Singapore, represented by Director Mr. David J. Lawrence, signed a contract for the lease of the IMPD office on "renovate, operate and transfer system." (NLM 5/28) May 29: Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications, represented by U Htay Aung, and Ericsson Telecommunications Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, represented by Vice-President Mr. Petri Markkanen, signed an agreement to install Digital European Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) system in Yangon (1,000 lines), Mandalay (1,000 lines), Pakokku (400), Monywa (350), and Twantay (250). (NLM 5/30) Aviation May 8: By November 1996, four new airlines will fly regular routes to Yangon: All Nippon Airways (ANA), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Vietnam Airways, and Royal Air Cambodia (RAC). Indian Airlines (IAL) has been flying twice-a-week from Calcutta since December 7, 1995, and Lao Aviation has been flying weekly since Dec. 14, 1995. (NLM 5/9) Jade, Gems & Pearls May 2: The Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. will hold its Second Jade and Gem Sales at the Gems Emporium Hall from May 13-18. Those wishing to attend must pay a registration fee of K 2,000. (NLM 5/3) // May 13: The sale began, attended by 290 foreign and local merchants; 35 lots were sold for $830. (NLM 5/14) // 240 merchants viewed the sales; 42 lots of gems have realized K 3,987,800 and $830. (NLM 5/15) May 17: The sale began, attended by 355 local and 115 foreign gem merchants. 64 jade lots were bought for $800,710 and 62 gem lots for $253,0l0. (NLM 5/18) // May 18: 64 jade and 155 gem lots were sold on the last two days for US$ 2,262,115. (NLM 5/19) May 14: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe inspected the world's largest ruby, from Block No. 14 at Kin Village in Mogok Gemstone Tract. "The ruby weighed 21,450 carats when it was mines. It is seven inches long with 4.5 inches breadth and about four inches high. It is crimson red, flawless and magnificent. It is a rare and extraordinary find that ranks as the world's largest ruby, with its original crimson colour.... It will remain uncut and it will be kept as an extraordinary gemstone of the State at the Myanmar Gems Museum ...." Also on display are other extraordinary gems from Mogok: a 7,507 carat ruby (1987), the 63,000 carat world's largest sapphire (1972), and a 4,145 carat sapphire (1991); also a 23,500 carat jade stone (1979), a 9.8 mommies pearl (1966), a 1,115 carat ruby, a 1,513 carat sapphire, and a 358 carat peridot. (NLM 5/15) May 30: Myanma Pearls Enterprise held a sale on May 29, in which 41 lots of pearls were sold for K 10,034,172. (NLM 5/31) Tourism May 4: 58 tourists arrived by chartered flight arranged by New Horizons Travels and Tours Ltd. and A and K Round the World Tour of USA; after visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda, they flew to Bagan. On May 5, they will go by road to Mandalay on the Road to Mandalay luxury cruiser, and will return to Yangon and depart on May 8. (NLM 5/5) May 24: Effective June 30, "cars imported and used as taxis" with plate numbers beginning with Ka-Ka must have signs saying "TAXI" on their roofs, in distinction from "locally plying taxis." Violators will be prosecuted. (NLM 5/25) May 30: The Tourism Development Management Committee's Subcommittee on Nationalities met, chaired by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint, to discuss the proposed Nationalities Village. "[He] said that tourists will study culture, traditions and customs of nationalities, traditional houses and their utensils. At the first stage, statues of nationalities, paintings and traditional houses are on display and video is being show at Pyidaungsu Aye Yeik Nyein, he said, adding nationalities village will be established near Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge at the second state .... Architect U San Oo, on behalf of Fair Trade Co. Ltd., explained to them building of nationalities village with the aid of charts and maps...." (NLM 5/31) Privatization May 9: The Myanmar Privatization Commission held meeting 2/96, chaired by its Chairman SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 5/10) May 10: After approval by the Government on May 2, the Privatization Commission has sold State-owned No. 80 Sawmill in Kyaukmyaung Village, Shwebo Township [Sagaing] to U Nyan Myint for K 2,175,000. (NLM 5/11) May 16: 16 State-owned cinemas will be sold on competitive bidding, with tenders due on May 24. Floor prices range from K 2,576,000 for the Athanhtwet Cinema in Maungtaw (Rakine) to K 48,273,000 for the Sanpya Cinema in Tachilek (Shan). Other towns where cinemas will be sold are: Shwebo, Pyinmana, Bago, Gobingauk, Nattalin, Sitkwin, Thonze, Minha, Taunggyi, Thayet, Mawlamyine, Thaton, Myaungmya, and Pathein. (NLM 5/17) May 22: State-owned sawmills in Sagaing Division will be sold by competitive bidding or leased out; sealed bids should be received by May 31. Reserve prices are: Sawmills No. 9 and 10 (Wuntho Township) K 4.9 million; Sawmills No. 11 and 12 (Wuntho Township) K 4.1 million; Sawmills No. 13 and 14 (Kanbalu Township) K 4.2 million; Sawmill No. 94 (Kanbalu Township) K 2.5 million. (NLM 5/23) Agriculture May 11: SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo opened the Myanma Mango Show, where 180 kinds are displayed. "Mango is Myanmars' favorite fruit, he said and spoke of various kinds named after men, women, jewels and regions." Myanmar has targeted the export market for mangoes. "There are over 130 kinds of good quality mangoes and 115 kinds for the contest." Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, visited the show. (NLM 5/12) May 14: Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung said annual rice exports are projected to reach 3,000,000 tons under the "short" Five-year Economic Plan. Sown acreage of paddy will reach 18 million acres (14 million monsoon and 4 million summer), with a yield of 100 baskets per acre. Six million acres will be put under edible oil crops (to achieve self-sufficiency in three years), with yields of 45 baskets per acre of ground-nut, 10 of sesamum, and 25 of sunflower. Eight million acres will be put under beans, with exports of two million tons of beans and pulses, with yield of 12 baskets per hectare. Cotton will reach three million acres; sugarcane 300,000 acres (export 40,000 tons); rubber will increase 50,000 acres yearly to an eventual total of 500,000 acres. Jute will remain at 125,000 acres, with yield raised to 300 viss. (NLM 5/15) Banking May 16: The May Flower Bank has been issued a foreign currency service licence as of May 6. The bank introduced an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) on November 12, 1995, and will shortly install Point of Sale (POS) Equipment at restaurants, hotels, jewellery shops, and supermarkets. It has also installed Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) system so that credit cards "can be used within the country without difficulty." (NLM 5/17) May 24: The Bank of Commerce opened a Representative Office, in the presence of Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. Also present were Bank Director Tan Sri G.K. Ramalyer, the Malaysian Ambassador, and Myanmar officials. (NLM 5/ 25) May 28: The Deutsche Bank AG of Germany opened a Representative Office. Executive Chairman of Deutsche Bank (Asia/ Pacific) Mr. Simon Murray donated $9,900 for Shwedagon Pagoda renovation. (NLM 5/ 29) Customs May 17: To expedite clearance of cars "which have remained long in port," the Myanmar Economic Bank will keep its port branch open on Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, "and issue payment orders for K 5,000 and above in customs duties." Cash payments will also be received. (NLM 5/18) // May 22: Cars not claimed by consignees by June 30, 1996 will be subject to a fine of K 10,000 per day, and may be auctioned under the Port Law. (NLM 5/23). May 21: Ministry of Finance and Revenue Notification No. 77/96 of May 21 provides that certain export items have been exempted from commercial tax as of May 15: "agricultural produce, marine products, wood-based value added products, forest products other than timber, paintings, sculptures, lacquerware and other handicrafts (excluding antiques), local-made garments and finished leather goods." Those who sell the items to exporters will continue to pay commercial tax. (NLM 5/22) Rainfall in Yangon Rainfall, in inches, at Yangon's three weather stations of Yangon Airport (YA), Kaba-Aye (KA), and Central Yangon (CY) was: YA KA CY 1987 97.01 100.98 95.43 1988 99.17 100.00 107.76 1989 96.22 100.59 102.76 1990 118.35 109.92 122.84 1991 91.81 83.78 96.65 1992 81.34 96.02 95.98 1993 82.64 111.18 95.12 1994 120.16 120.94 117.36 1995 104.84 100.47 98.27 1996 as of May 1 4.45 4.84 4.21 May 15 10.71 14.06 11.06 May 30 15.39 18.62 15.67 HEALTH Health Articles May 1: Mothers and Children-Priceless Treasures, by Dr. Win May. [Importance of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, which now has 307 township and 1,483 branch associations. New programs to prevent students from dropping out of school.] May 23: Sports and the arts without tobacco. Play it tobacco free, by Professor U Aung. [World Tobacco Day--health costs of smoking. Need to promote tobacco-free activities.] National Health Plan May 11: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt addressed the coordination meeting of the Central Committee and Work Committees for drafting National Health Plan (1996-2001). "National Health Plan specially aims at development of a health system based on primary public health care, providing door-to-door health care service in order to close the health gap in the whole country including border areas, enabling governmental departments, NGOs and donor organizations including Health Department to coordinate with public in the efforts for uplift of public health standard and promotion of feed-back report system between the Central and grassroots level and management system to enable continuous flow of information among equal ranks, he said .... In practising cost-sharing health care system which has become successful to an extent, it must be careful not to burden those who cannot afford much, he said. He said that according to statistics, people's reliance on governmental hospitals and clinics has lessened, adding that though it can be assumed generally that the role of private clinics has become high, causes on lessening of people's reliance on government's hospitals and clinics should be reviewed...." Maternal Welfare May 14: The Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association held its Fifth Central Council Annual Meeting, under President Prof. Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Presidents Dr. Khin Win Shwe and U Kyi Soe. It has 307 township associations with 1,483 branches and over 100,000 members. (NLM 5/15) SPORTS Myanmar Teams and Delegations Apr. 30: Secretary-General Lt-Col. Thein Aung of the Myanmar Football Federation, Deputy Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department, and Assistant Director U Bunny Tin Aung returned from the Apr. 22-26 7th Seminar of General-Secretaries of the Asian Football Federation in Kuala Lumpur. 79 representatives from 44 nations attended. (NLM 5/1) May 8: An 8-member team of reporters led by Chief Reporter U Nyunt Wai of The New Light of Myanmar left for Indonesia to cover the May 10-12 Asia-Pacific Rally in Medan, sponsored by 555 Subaru. (NLM 5/9) // May 15: The team returned. (NLM 5/16) May 18: Nine-year-old Maung Phyo Teza Aung departed for Hong Kong to take part in the Asia-Pacific Youth Golf Tournament, accompanied by seven-year-old Maung Kaung Myat Win as observer. Eight members of the Myanmar golf team, led by U Khin Maung Htoo, had departed for Hong Kong on May 17. (NLM 5/19) // May 19: The Myanmar New Generation Junior Golf Group led by U Thin Maung Htoo left for Hong Kong to participate in the tournament; members are U Aung Thein Tun, Ye Win Tin, Thein Toe Aung, Pyi Maung, Win Htwe Hlaing, Ye Mon, Han Tun Aung, and Nay Lin Tun. (NLM 5/20) Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. May 25: Mr. Inatomi of Yome Kura Boxing Club, Tokyo, called on President of Myanmar National Olympic Committee Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung. (NLM 5/26) May 30: Olympic Solidarity Tennis Coaching Course Level 1 opened, directed by Mr. Suresh Menon (Malaysia). 20 trainees are attending. (NLM 5/31) Holes-in-One May 22: U Lu Lu (a) U Zaw Min scored an ace on May 21 on the 133-yard 16th hole of the City Golf Course. (NLM 5/23) May 24: Lt-Col. Than Htay on May 22 scored an ace on the 156-yard 10th hole of the Myeik Golf Course. (NLM 5/25) CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles Mar. 18: Self-discipline: Myanmar national character for better quality of life, by Myat Tun Oo. [Need for greater self-discipline for nation building and improvement of the quality of life.] May 1: The Buddha and the Bo Tree, by Lay Myint (RU). [The festival of sprinkling water on the pipal tree or Bo Tree, on the fullmoon day of Kason, is closely tied with the life of the Buddha. It was under the Bo Tree (ficus religiosa) that the Buddha Gotama attained enlightenment. But only Myanmar Buddhists have the sprinkling festival. For Hindus, the Bo Tree has a long history as a religious cult; for Buddhists it is respected only for its sacred associations with the Buddha.] May 9: YMBA at 90, by Po Thaukkya. [The Young Men's Buddhist Association was formed in 1906. It led the "shoe question" debate, demanding enforcement of the tradition that shoes not be worn on pagoda or monastery precincts. It demanded compulsory primary education, examinations and Myanmar, and other education reforms. I called for promotion of peasants. I demanded closure of gambling houses, and "published documents discouraging Myanmar women from getting married with foreigners calling for an end to such practices since they could lead to deterioration of the race and the language." In 1920 it formed the GCBA. (NLM 5/9) May 22: Lan-pi the proposed National Marine Park of Myanmar, by Zaw Gyi (Lawk Sawk). [Visit on Apr. 7 to Lan-pi, "the southern extremity off-shore islands of Myanmar," accompanied by four foreigners "namely Mr. John, Mr. Kant, a superb diver and Mr. Martin both of Australia, Mr. Kirya Santoso Chandra of Indonesia, Mr. Jay. A Giendina of USA and Mr. Finkie Chew Hai Phen of Singapore." The Lan-pi coral reefs, and the primitive peoples of the Salon villages, make a great place for eco-tourism.] May 29: Toward longevity and good health, by Nan Myint Maung. [SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe supplicating Sayadaws at the Shwedagon Pagoda. SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt discussed ongoing renovations, especially the deteriorating brick tier of the archway of the southern stairway built by King Shwebo (a) King Thayawady, including conservation of two ogre statues built by King Thayawady, two lions donated by a merchant from Pazundaung Ward, and the Eikhsathayagu Pagodas between the statues and the tier. These had been obscured by shops and shacks, which have all been removed. Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt added: "Efforts are being made to differentiate between old and decayed antiques and ancient artifacts in renovating the stairway.... Among the ancient heritage, colonial influences such as angel and lion (Chu Lion) figures and statues with alien faces are also included. They will be replaced with traditional figures."] May 31: The Mahasamaya Day or the Day of Peace, by Lay Myint (YU). [Full-moon day of the month of Nayon. "No Peace can come out of conflicts."] Religion [There were frequent reports of donations, progress, and voluntary labour, for the Tooth Relic Pagodas under construction in Yangon and Mandalay, of renovation at Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda, and of donations for and work on other major pagodas around the country.] May 2: Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt addressed the 76th Annual General Meeting of the Myanmar Council of Churches, quoting extensively from the Bible and praising, inter alia, the Christian "harbingers of peace" who had helped in negotiations to bring some armed groups into the legal fold. MCC representatives included Chairman Rev. U M Zaw Yaw, General Secretary Bishop Mahn San Si Htay, Vice-Chairman General Secretary of the Baptist Headquarters Rev. Saw Mar Gay Gyi, and Vice-Chairman Archbishop Andrei U Mya Han. The meeting will last until May 5. (NLM 5/3) May 19: A "get-together of all religions" was held at the Karaweik Hall, attended by Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt and other officials, and attended by delegates of the Young Men's Buddhist Association, Young Man's Christian Association, All Myanmar Hindu Religious Organization, Islamic organizations, Patron of Myanmar Muslim National Affairs Organization Maha Tharay Sithu retired Ambassador U Pe Kin and 200 Myanmar Hajis. The 200 Hajis returned May 18 from their pilgrimage to Mecca. (NLM 5/20) Publications May 16: Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon has published Yokshin Magazine No. 5. (NLM 5/17) Computers Articles continued throughout the month concerning the installation of computers, often donated, at high schools around the country. Universities and Institutes May 5: The Institute of Pharmacy held its second convocation, with degrees issued to 21 graduates. (NLM photo caption 5/6) May 6 Mawlamyine University held its seventh convocation on May 4-6, with Rector Dr. Hla Pe conferring degrees as follows: 78 MA/MSc; 1 MPhil; 167 BA/BSc Hons); 1,783 BA/BSc. (NLM 5/7) May 25: The Mandalay Institute of Education held its first convocation, with Rector U Lu Ni conferring BEd degrees on 306 graduates; 126 graduates received the degree in absentia. (NLM 5/26) Bagan Pagoda Restoration [A daily advertisement, in Burmese, continues for the "adopt a Bagan pagoda" scheme, with a photograph of a different damage pagoda daily. Beginning in May 14, a daily advertisement also offers a print of a painting of a Buddha image by U Ngwe Gaing, arranged by the Directorate of Defence Services Intelligence, and sold for K 150 by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.] Apr. 30: Members of the Quartermaster-General's Office donated K 752,000. Other donations totalled K 460,868. (NLM 5/1) May 2: Minister for Labour Lt-Gen. Aye Thoung and Daw Tin Tin Aye donated K 110,000. U Khin Shwe (Zay Gaba), Daw San San Kywe and children of 77 University Avenue donated K 1,500,000 for restoring the Hmyaw Pagoda and Maha Zedi. Other donations totalled K 334,400. (NLM 5/3) May 3: Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, Daw Tin Tin Sein and family donated K 100,000. Employes of the Foreign Ministry donated K 1,000,000. Other donations totalled K 2,560,250. (NLM 5/4) May 4: Donations totalled K 893,000. (NLM 5/5) May 6: Donations totalled K 34,000. (NLM 5/7) May 7: Deputy Minister for Finance U Win Naing, Daw Yi Yi Win and family donated K 100,000. Employees of Road Transport Department donated K 300,000. Other donations totalled K 661,500. (NLM 5/8) May 8: Donations totalled K 657,200. (NLM 5/9) May 9: Personnel of the Internal Revenue Department donated K 250,000. Other donations totalled K 883,700. (NLM 5/10) May 10: Donations totalled K 597,000. (NLM 5/11) May 13: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt inspected pagoda preservation and renovation in Bagan, and opened the Bagan Gift Centre of the Bagan Gift Production and Trading Cooperative Syndicate. Donations of K 800,000 were presented to him. Later he accepted K 400,000 from the Ministry of Cooperatives for reconstruction of Bagan Seinhnyet Nyima Pagoda; K 200,000 from Mandalay Division Cooperatives Department for No. 1625 Pagoda; K 300,000 from Yadanapura Construction for Shinbin Thettawshay and Shinbin Thettawya pagodas; and K 200,000 from U Myint Han and family for Dhammarajaka Pagoda. Regular donations totalled K 307,980. (NLM 5/14) May 14: Donations totalled K 138,800. (NLM 5/15) May 20: Donations totalled K 155,611. (NLM 5/21) May 21: K 500,000 was donated by employees of the Prisons Department and K 400,000 by employees of Fritz Werner Co. Other donations totalled K 322,600. Total donations to date amount to K 61.2 million. (NLM 5/22) May 23: Donations totalled K 621,000. (NLM 5/24) May 27: Employees of the Energy Ministry donated K 300,000 for the second time. Other donations totalled K 513,000. (NLM 5/ 28) May 28: Donations totalled K 150,000. (NLM 5/29) MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements May 5,12,19,26: For over a year, each weekly Sunday Supplement has listed "Our Three Main National Causes," two lists of "Special Projects," and "Slogans" for the National Convention [for texts see issue of January 1996] May 5,12,19,26: Towards a modern nation through all-round development, by Warazein. [Cont. Endeavours of the Ministry of Culture. (ii) Traditional equestrian festivals, performing arts competitions, and regattas. Research, arts training, censorship of plays and drama. The University of Culture founded in 1992, now with 396 students, 312 staff, and a 52 acre campus in Dagon Myothit (South) under construction. (iii) Cultural Institute Department: regional cultural museums and new National Museum building. Foreign exchanges of exhibitions. Archaeology Department. (iv) Resurrection of Hanthawady Palace Hill; excavation of Mayaygon (Victory Land) Palace Site of Bagan Era; renovation of Pyathadagyi Pagoda in Bagan; repair of Layhmeythna Brick Monastery in Bagan; excavation of Bagan City Wall and Moat; Reconstruction of Inwa [Ava] City Wall; reconstruction of inner wall and stockade near the Myanan Sankyaw palace; excavation of King Bayint Naung's Kanbawzathadi Palace; excavation of the Myaygon Palace site at Bagan; etc. Endeavours of the Ministry of Labour. (i) Various statistics; international labour affairs.] May 5: Mabay village makes remarkable progress, by Mawgun Myint Aung. [Development in Mawlamyinegyun Township {Ayeyawady}.] -- Good yield of cotton in Minhla, by Maung Thain Mwe. [Record setting in Minhla Township {Magway}; long staple cotton produces a net income of 11,000-14,000 kyat per acre.] -- Taking steps in line with computer age, by Aung Htun Thein. [History of school computer project; so far, there are 2,000 computers in over 700 schools; 1,359 teachers have completed multiplier courses on computer science.] -- Cotton to assist in State's economic development, by Kyaw Wint. [Kyaukse Reservoir near Pyawbwe.] -- Golden crops in rural areas, by Myint Lwin Thwe. [Paddy, cotton, and chilli in Pyawbwe Township.] -- To pump Ayeyawady water to a height of 134 feet, by Tin Win Shwe. [In Wetlet Township.] May 12: Bumper harvest in Sittoung Valley, by Khin Maung Than. [Crops in the valley extending from Pyinmana Township to the Gulf of Mottama {Martaban}.] -- Tun Foundation Bank, unique among others, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Bank established in 1994, a unique general-purpose bank that donates all its profits to "religious, health, education and other social organizations." It has so far donated a total of K 3.6 million.] -- North Pinle Reservoir in Myingyan Township, by Aung Htun Thein. [Inaugurated Apr. 12]. -- Myanma Railways' kindness, by Kalay Win Thu. [The Kalay-Gangaw Railway brings development to a distant region; the 83 mile trip cost K 400 by bus, but only K 40 by train. "This is the gratitude of the State, the gratitude of Ma Ma {nickname for Myanma Railways}."] -- Laipyu regulating dam more precious than old, by Reporter Nyunt Shwe. [Dedicated Mar. 17; will irrigate 6,207 acres in Yamethin Township.] May 26: Shwe Nantha incence stick exuded fragrance, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Incence [sic] sticks produced by a cooperative society.] -- Shwenattaung Reservoir in Mawlamyine Township, by Aung Htun Thein. [K 55 million reservoir inaugurated May 4.] -- Good prospects for future agriculture sector, by Myint Thura. [Importance of mechanization and fertilizer.] May 19: Summer paddy flourishing at Kanyin Chaunggyi, by Mawgyun Myint Aung. [Progress in an Ayeyawady Division village.] -- GEC helps promote public health care, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Role of International Co-operative Association; health activities of Government Employees Coops (GECs).] -- Endeavours for border areas development: Over 3,800 million kyats spent for our brethren, by Aung Htun Thein. [Review of border area development.] -- Boosting cotton production in up country, by Tin Win (Yesagyo). [Yesagyo Township: acreage increased from 1,050 in 1994-05 to 14,102 in 1995-96.] -- Gold from trash: Artistically using rubber leaves in flower arrangement, by Maung Seikpyo. [Results of Basic Training Course No. 1/96 for flower arrangement sponsored by the Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise -- elegant and beautiful use of rubber-tree leaves.] Anti-Narcotics Activities May 2: 2,700 amphetamine pills were seized Feb. 19 in Tachilek Township. (NLM 5/3) May 3: 0.12 kilo of heroin, and an M-21 rifle, were seized Apr. 22 in Kyukok (Pangsai). (NLM 5/4) May 5: 38.4 kilos of raw opium were seized Apr. 27 in Taunggyi. (NLM 5/6) May 6: 88 bottles of Phensedyl were seized Apr. 18 in Monywa. (NLM 5/7) May 6: 0.2 kilo of heroin was seized Apr. 27 in Lashio. (NLM 5/8) May 7: 12 bags of precursor chemicals which were to be brought into Myanmar were seized Apr. 26 by Burmese officials, working with the Laotian Army, on the Laotian side of the Mekong River; Laotian authorities have arrested the carriers. (NLM 5/8) May 8: 360 gallons of acetic anhydride were seized May 1 in Kyukok (Pangsai). (NLM 5/9) May 10: 9.9 kilos of opium were seized Apr. 23 in Namhkam Township [Shan]. (NLM 5/11) May 14: 510 bottles of Phensedyl were seized May 8 in Kalay. (NLM 5/15) May 16: 0.18 kilo of heroin was seized May 7 in Kyukok (Pangsai). (NLM 5/17) May 17: 6.5 kilos of raw opium were seized May 9 in Kutkai Township. (NLM 5/18) May 18: During April, the Tatmadaw seized 0.4 kilo of heroin and 26.1 kilos of opium. The police seized 4.3 kilos of heroin (126 cases), 66.7 kilos of opium (28 cases), 16.5 kilos of marijuana (29 cases), 133.6 litres of Phensedyl (12 cases), 0.1 kilo of opium residue (1 case), 0.3 kilo of heavy opium solution (1 case), 0.05 kilo of heavy opium block (2 cases), 0.16 kilo of dried opium [presumably 1 case], 160 kilos of chemical solution (1 case), and 135 kilos of chemical powder (1 case). There were 97 cases of failure to register for treatment and 6 other drug-related cases. The police took action against 435 persons in 305 drug-related cases. Among the police seizures, police and Tatmadaw working together had seized 0.2 kilo of heroin (3 cases), 49.9 kilos of opium (4 cases), and 13.8 litres of Phensedyl (3 cases). A car and 2 motorcycles were seized. (NLM 5/19) May 30: A meeting was held to discuss implementation of a Sub-project for Reduction of Drug Abuse and Prevention of HIV in Tachilek and Kengtung; to be supported by UNDCP and ESCAP. (NLM 5/31) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] Mar. 10: Bill O'Connor (a) U Than Myint died in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, aged 77. (NLM 3/18) Apr. 30: Captain Chit Sein (a) Mr. Hugh W. Richardson, 6th Burma Rifles BC 5085 (retd), died in Yangon, aged 86. (NLM 5/2) May 1: Wunna Kyaw Htin U Dina Nath, husband of Daw Khin Thein Thein (Caroline Nath), died in Yangon, aged 86. [Hindu] (NLM 5/2) May 6: U Nita Pe (BSc Hons, MS (Kansas, USA), Head of Engg. Geology Dept (YIT), Executive Adviser, Railways Quarries, husband of Daw Theingi Min Din, died in Yangon, aged 65. (NLM 5/7) No date: Charlie Pybus, husband of Mrs. Esther Pybus (Williams), died, aged 52. Funeral in Yangon on June 11. [Christian] (NLM 5/11) May 18: Khup Khan Thang (a) Maung Maung Hau, son of Dr. Sithu U Vum Ko Hau and Daw Mang Ko Ciin, died in Yangon, aged 36. [Christian] (NLM 5/19) May 18: Daw Khin Thet Shay (a) Jennie Teoh, Industrial Training Center, Sinde, wife of U Zam Cin Pao (Zozan), died in Yangon, aged 45. (NLM 5/19) May 19: Mr. G.R. Iyer, School Headmaster (Retired), Hakha, husband of Daw Pakci, died in Yangon, aged 91. (NLM 5/20) May 19: Daw Hla Yin (Daw Dora), ABM High School-Pyapon, widow of U Ba Thaung (Airport Manager), died in Yangon, aged 97. [Christian] (NLM 5/20) No date: U Ming Hnin (Pa Hnin), husband of Dr. Maureen Dar Iang of UNDP, Thantlang. [Acknowledgment] (NLM 5/25) May 25: Bo Gen (a) Genghis Khan, Retired WO II, husband of Daw Khin Hla, died in Yangon, aged 77. [Muslim] (NLM 5/27) May 27: Daw Ivy, widow of U Jock Ba Hla, died in Yangon, aged 70. [Christian] (NLM 5/28) May 27: Joseph Thant Zin (U Thant Zin), husband of Rani (a) Ma Thin Thins, died in Yangon, aged 35. [Christian] (NLM 5/30) Marriage & Engagement May 4: Saw Napoleon Mya married Naw Hnin Htwe Aye, at the Yangon Immanuel Baptist Church. (NLM acknowledgement 5/ 11) May 21: Khin Win Su, daughter of Capt. Thura Kyaw Win and Daw Tin Tin Hla of Yangon became engaged to Nyein Min, son of U Min Han and Daw Khin Nyunt Han of Yangon. (NLM 5/29) Earthquakes Mar. 17: An earthquake of slight intensity (3.7 Richter) was recorded at 17:37:38 hours, local time, with epicenter 35 miles E of Yangon. (NLM 3/18) May 6: An earthquake of slight intensity (3.0 Richter) was recorded at 20:15:06 local time, with epicenter 62 miles NE of Yangon. (NLM 5/8) Bird-watching May 1: Organized bird-watching is to be established at the 40 square mile wild life sanctuary of the Myoyungyi Inn in Bago Township, Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe announced. (NLM 5/2) PyinOoLwin Centenary May 1: 30,000 guests attended the celebration of the centenary of the founding of PyinOoLwin [formerly called Maymyo]. A small village before the arrival of the British, it was established as a town in 1896 and named "Maymyo" after Col. H.O. May of the British military police. (NLM 5/ 2) May 7: Never ever will be forgotten, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. ["PyinOoLwin will not be forgotten as long as the world exists."] ----- SUBSCRIPTIONS & RENEWALS ATT: Burma Press Summary Center for East Asian & Pacific Studies University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 230 International Studies Building 910 South Fifth Street Champaign, IL 61820 Tel: (217) 333-7273. Fax: (217) 244-5729 Annual Subscriptions: Individuals - US$50.00 Libraries & other Institutions - US$60.00 Add Postal surcharge for air delivery to: Canada - US$18.00 Europe - US$37.00 Asia - US$47.00 [additional charge for US$ check drawn on a foreign bank - $5.00] NOTE: Checks should be payable to: University of Illinois, with "Burma Press Summary" annotated on check. Correspondence concerning subscriptions, missing issues, etc., should be sent to the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies in Champaign, Illinois EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE Editorial correspondence, and requests for full texts of articles, should be sent to: Hugh C. MacDougall Glimmerglass Cottage 8 Lake Street Cooperstown, NY 13326-1016 Burma Press Summary No. 111, May 1996